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.
Pushpa Sunder Mehta, M.D.
Koelbel Library
October 1-November 30, 2024
My art is an expression of my heart and soul; a search for “Truth” and an admiration for nature and life. I want my art to be purposeful , free and inspiring. The will to continue with my art comes from the Loving Heavenly Voice that tells me “keep up with your art”. The driving force in my fingers to hold the brush and create original art is a gift of “True Love” from my family. As I progress on the path of an artistic pilgrim, I seek to engage viewers into an artistic consciousness to love and respect Mother Earth .
Neil Scanlan
Smoky Hill Library
October 1-November 30, 2024
When a canvas company sent me 1,200 wooden wedges, I decided to combine my love of portraits and the wedges to see what would happen. II was quite pleased with the results. I hope you enjoy the show.
What is your favorite piece in the show?
I like all my children but perhaps the most interesting is Picasso’s painting of Dora Maar. The original painting is very disjointed and the use of the wedges adds a little more chaos to the original effect.
What motivates you to create?
Having a quiet place to work and materials calling out my name.
Who are your biggest artist influences?
Artists Jack Unruh, Alex Katz and Helen Scanlan, my mom.
What message do you want to convey to your viewers?
To see traditional portraits in a new light.
Catie Michel
Eloise May Library
October 1-November 30, 2024
Catie Michel is a muralist, scientific illustrator, and photographer guided by collaborative storytelling and our connection to the natural world. Her academic and professional background in field research and science communication grounds her work in attention, observation, and inquiry. Catie explores what, in nature, is capturing our attention and what, in us, is looking back.
What is your favorite piece in the show and why?
My favorite piece is the Nautilus; these animals are so strange and beautiful. This piece is part of a series in which I paint marine animals I have observed in real life. Nautiluses/nautili are deep sea creatures, so unless I was fortunate enough to explore their habitat in a submarine, my chances of seeing one were very slim! But a few years ago, the Monterey Bay Aquarium opened their Deep Sea exhibit, and I was very very lucky to finally see a living nautilus. It was such a privilege to observe this ancient animal.
What motivates you to create?
My connection to and interest in nature motivates me to create. I studied Animal Science and Wildlife Biology in college, and am now primarily a scientific illustrator. Telling visual stories about the natural world is endlessly meaningful and fueling.
Who are your biggest artists influences?
My biggest artist influences are Maya Lin and Mona Caron.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
I hope my work inspires a sense of curiosity in viewers and guides them to a sense of wonder and inquiry about the subject matter.
