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.
Ala Park
Designer and artist Ala Park was born and raised in the Republic of Moldova, where she has owned a interior design firm, and successfully ran all aspects of clients’ needs. Her artistic endeavors are inspired by “challenges and an interest in all things new.” Developer of FishBone Art - entirely new mixed media, using natural fishbones, repurposing them into delicate scenes, placed on black velvet. Working with different types of fishbones allows her to create original, unique, 3D compositions of flowers, birds, animals, and landscapes. Each piece seems to give the fish a new life in an unexpected way. She now resides in the mountains of Boulder, with a custom art studio and sewing workshop where she designs and creates her art.
Christina Aletheia Hobson
Details, details, details! Everything in life has details to show and I attempted to capture this in my work! I started in photography because I love seeing beauty everywhere and I wanted to capture that. I use a camera phone to capture everything before editing. Using a camera phone makes it easy to do spur-of-the-moment photography. I hope the details in life that I was able to capture makes you smile!
Jayme H. Mansfield
Displayed: September 18-30
My paintings are an expression of my most real and complete self. Immense freedom and peace result when brush and paint are laid to canvas. My Floral Abstraction series is my sweet-spot of intuitive, adventurous, and intimate connection with others, and most importantly, God.
What is your favorite piece in the show and why?
My favorite painting is Bon Matin (Good Morning) as it immerses me in color and calm with the combination of warm and cool hues. It was an unplanned composition and palette, making the creative experience even more captivating. I also love painting large canvases – plenty of room to play!
What motivates you to create?
I am motivated to create when I need to be my most authentic self. The creative experience, though often unpredictable and challenging, provides a time to overflow with peace, joy, and hope.
Who are your biggest artists influences?
I am influenced by abstract floral artist, Carrie Schmitt, Colorado-based contemporary representational painter, Kelly Berger, and of course, the vibrant colors and bold brush work of Henri Matisse and Vincent VanGogh.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
More than anything, I want to convey a sense of joy and hope in my artwork—an invitation to pause, be still, and know that beauty and goodness abound.
