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.
Casey Kawaguchi: Umei
Smoky Hill Library
Opening Reception: May 3, 6-8 pm
Casey Kawaguchi is a Japanese American artist based in Denver. Born and raised in Utah, his artistic practice began in graffiti, where his dedication to precision met the chaos of the spray can. His work revolves around a recurring character that reflects his identity as an Asian American artist while representing the power of the creativity that he feels resides within each of us. Drawing from his earliest inspirations of comic books, illustration and his Japanese heritage, his work conveys a simplicity and balance, where the contemporary meets tradition in a powerful display.
Kawaguchi’s work has been exhibited across the United States and can be seen in his multitude of murals across metro Denver. Kawaguchi currently works as a mentor at Redline Contemporary Art Center and believes that passing on the creative spark is the greatest purpose his work can serve.
Website: caseykawaguchi.com, opens a new window
Front Range Contemporary Quilters: Threads of Inspiration
Front Range Contemporary Quilters (FRCQ) is dedicated to expanding the boundaries and expressions of the art quilt well beyond traditional quilting roots. Together we exchange ideas, methods, techniques and skills but we especially strive to inspire and support one another to extend our horizons in transforming fabric and fibers into exquisite art that touches us and those who view it.
Website: artquilters.org, opens a new window
Mara Shapiro
Mara began sewing when she was 11 years old, but didn’t start quilting and making wearable art until the 90’s. Although she has made some large quilts, recently she has been focusing on small pieces where she is able to experiment using different fabrics and quilt patterns. Her small pieces are usually 20 inches x 20 inches - the perfect size for Challah covers, wall hangings, or table toppers. She has been collecting Judaica fabric for over 20 years and uses these fabrics or Hebrew writing in her Challah covers. Mara has donated two of her larger quilts to Hadassah for fundraisers.
When asked which is her favorite piece in the exhibit, Mara answers “That’s easy. Since the show is in a library, it’s ‘Oh Me, Oh My, I’m 75’ since this quilt features books on shelves.” Mara made this quilt for a friend of hers who was celebrating her 75th birthday and was also in her book club. Mara was able to embroider the titles and authors of some of the books that were read in the club over the years. The owner of this quilt loaned it to Mara to be able to show it in the exhibit at the library. “Stars Over the Water”, also on loan by the owner for the quilt show, is a close second for Mara’s favorite quilt in the show.
