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.
Marlene Polmer
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Inspired by nature and fueled by my passion to preserve it, painting landscapes provides an opportunity and outlet to challenge myself intellectually, visually, and emotionally. In my pursuit to capture the beauty and solace that scenery provides, I am continually reminded of the resilience and adaptability that exists within nature and myself. I seek to create a legacy of conservation and appreciation for the natural world.
What is your favorite piece in the show and why?
Night Sky with River is my favorite piece in the show because it captures the beauty and tranquility of nature along with the continuous movement of water and sky.
What motivates you to create?
My career in interior design spanned nearly four decades before I decided to return to my first love of painting. I have always enjoyed experimenting with color, texture, and technique. Nature is my greatest passion and inspiration, and artistic expression allows me to portray the beauty nature provides.
Who are your biggest artists influences?
I admire Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. I also draw inspiration from other contemporary artists, such as Quang Ho, Daniel Sprick and Tibor Nagy.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
Growing up on a farm in Iowa instilled my love for open space and an appreciation of nature's play of colors. With increasing urbanization and land use, I find peace in landscape painting, honoring our land and providing visual breathing space. I am deeply passionate about conservationism and want my art to portray the power of nature and the need to preserve its beauty.
Eric Hagemann
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Working in monochrome frees me from the limitations of color, allowing me to express my artistic vision. I strive to create images that resonate and inspire.Following a 36-year career in public sector engineering and organizational strategy, my focus is capturing images of the Western United States.
All my work is VerifiedHuman® VH4
Paul Nutting
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I paint to capture the beauty and serenity of Colorado and its people. Landscape painting provides me the opportunity to capture both what I see and the connection I feel to that place at the moment. In my painting I try to pull the viewer into the scene and the sheer joy I feel in just being there. I particularly enjoy plein air painting which is a challenge. Even in the best weather the sun is changing rapidly and so decisions have to be made rapidly. More than once a sudden gust of wind has come out of nowhere and sent my easel, palette, and painting face down into a bush. Painting in Grand County along the Fraser River is one of my favorites, and often I find I am sharing the same view with a moose.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
I want the viewer to feel like they have been there, and remember it fondly.