Providing access to art, ideas, stories, culture and creative talent is core to Fayetteville Public Library’s role as a community center. In support of this, rotating art exhibitions are displayed throughout the library. The Fayetteville Public Library Art Committee accepts exhibition proposals year-round.
Ryan Tate got his Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from the College of the Ozarks. He has taught at Crystal Bridges Museum and has exhibited his work in Washington, Missouri, and Northwest Arkansas.
"For my exhibition, I wanted to create space that captures the thrill of stepping inside a library with all the charm of a sketchbook doodle pages. My aim is to make something fun and lighthearted that cheers people up when visiting."
Beth A. Stockdell is a professional harpist and artist in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 2023, she released her third album. Beth is a lifelong artist. She started out with a camera, working as a professional while doing stained-glass art and commercial work. She eventually began working with paper, mixed-media, making books, and drawing.
Mixed media wall sculpture using found objects and placed in birch cradles. In Louise Nevelson fashion, we chose to paint it white, as we were coming out of the Covid pandemic and white represents a new beginning. Quoting Louise Nevelson: “white summoned the early morning and emotional promise.”
"We Are the Difference" is a mural made by Farmington Junior High ninth grade art club students. The students were mentored by their art educator Gretchen Wilkes and internationally known mural artist Octavio Logo.
"Voyage of Lost Keys" is a way to imagine a mass migration – a way to think about people who have lost their homes and their place in the world as still being somehow connected to each other.
"Undine" is a water spirit. This mixed media sculpture represents the power and mystery of water, as well as the myths and legends surrounding it.
Fayetteville Public Library welcomes artists and makers to share their craft with the community through the Visiting Artist Program. During their residency, selected artists and makers are featured at the library, host public programs for all ages, have scheduled time for personal projects in library spaces, and receive a stipend.