Arapahoe Libraries is proud to host art exhibits each month at Eloise May, Koelbel and Smoky Hill libraries. Library galleries offer the community a place to view a variety of art at no cost while also providing visibility to local artists. A volunteer art selection committee selects exhibits based on artistic quality, variety of exhibits and the suitability of format for each exhibit space.
Have a question about the galleries or interested in showcasing your art? Visit the Art Galleries page for more information.
Teen Art Show
The 2024 Arapahoe Libraries Teen Art show celebrates the talents of teens across the library district.
This was a juried exhibition. The jury was composed of members of our teen librarian staff, teen task force and teen interns.
First Place: Kemper Mckenzie, 16
“Born2Run”
Painting
About the art:
A somewhat graffiti, bright, colorful cool cat with chunky shoes and baggy t-shirt with a big smile with dollar signs around him showing greediness and cocky confidence.
Second place: December Suarez, 15
“Changes”
Mixed media
About the artwork:
The raven is often associated with death, and the butterfly is associated with change. My artwork is a combination of the two to symbolize the change that death brings with it.
Third Place: Erin Sun, 12
“Pond of Flowers”
Painting
About the artwork:
It depicts the blossom of colorful flowers in a pond near the house.
Circle of Light Photo Project
Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank
The Circle of Light Photo Project, opens a new window is a program of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank that includes a collection of photographs taken by people whose sight was restored through corneal transplants. The project’s goal is to educate the public about the impact eye tissue donation has on the lives of those in our communities.
The 2024 traveling exhibit includes 19 photos by 13 photographers.
Katherine Collier
Botanical inspired designs created with acrylic paint on canvas.
My interest in painting botanical subjects stems from my love of the outdoors and of all the small details we let pass us by. Everything from a snowcapped mountain to a simple flowering weed; the beauty found in nature provides endless inspiration for my work.
My art focuses on natural subjects abstracted into organic forms of bright color and flowing line. I make multiple sketches of a plant from various angles and proximity that I then layer together to form a final image. This combination of multiple aspects of the plant is a way to get a sense of a plant in its entirety, while highlighting certain characteristics of interest.
Each plant that I choose to paint has a particular unique element that I wish to emphasize. Whether it be the papery texture of a poppy petal, or the bold color of the King Protea, each plant has a particular component of beauty that I bring to life.
The flowing lines and saturated hues of my pieces work together to reveal the simple beauty of nature.
