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.
Micah Baird
Instagram: @mdbaird.art, opens a new window
My art is informed and inspired by people and experiences in my own life and drawing from myths, folklore, art, tradition, history, nature, and personal introspection and inspiration. My aim is to illuminate the interconnectedness between The Divine Feminine, the natural world, emotional balance, and our very different but also the shared elements of our societal histories. It is a call to honor, celebrate, and elevate the voices and contributions of women throughout history and their foundational role in societal growth. The lofty ideal is to forge a path towards healing and harmony by uplifting the beauty found in our connections regardless of what makes us uniquely and wonderfully different.
What is your favorite piece in the show and why?
My favorite piece is the Mexican woman. I'm extremely biased, because my inspiration for her was someone I was falling in love with at the time. Ahora ella no solamente es mi musa, también ella es mi prometida.
What motivates you to create?
Knowing that it has the potential to change someone's perceptions and assumptions. That I can use my inspiration to be an advocate that will uplift and honor women and the Divine Feminine in all of us.
Who are your biggest artists influences?
Caravaggio, Élisabeth Sonrel, Alfonse Mucha, Gustave Doré, Arthur Rackham, Frida Khalo, Jim Davis
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
I want viewers to hear the message, "Come closer, take a deeper look. Take some time to see and understand." I think our curiosity in learning more openly about others has declined significantly. Our lack of awe and honor of anyone different from us, the thinking that "feminine" is somehow inferior to "masculine," these are things I want my art to combat against.
Thad McCauley
Instagram: @mcscoobyt, opens a new window
This series is focused on the intersection of three ideas. The paintings were created in relation to song titles and the experience of how listening to music can trigger different memories. I was looking at old family photos that evoked strong memories, the same way that listening to music can. I wanted to challenge myself to paint only with a pallet knife instead of a brush, focusing on bright colors and not concerned with photo realism, but really pushing expressive mark making.
What is your favorite piece in the show and why?
The piece that stands out to me is a painting of my wife and daughter titled ‘Hey Ladies’. I love this painting because of the extreme colors found in the sunset.
What motivates you to create?
Painting and making art just makes me feel good. It clears my mind, allowing me to focus only on the artwork.
Who are your biggest artists influences?
This painting series was heavily influenced by the Beastie Boys music video - Shadrach, opens a new window (Abstract Impressionist Version).
You should check it out if you never have seen it.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
I hope you can find a personal connection to this painting series as it’s all about the human experience and the wonderful joys we have recalling old memories. We each curate our own memory museum if you will, our ‘Life’s Boutique’.
