Arts and Photography
Arrowhead Library System offered libraries and patrons in the region a selection of art-inspired programming. The Murals and Sculptures program funds the creation of public artworks at regional libraries. These artworks celebrate one or more community-specific, artistic, cultural and/or historical attribute(s) of the community where the artwork is located. They are placed in high-traffic locations either inside or outside each of the libraries for all to enjoy. We have funded two artworks for the 2012 fiscal year: one at the Hibbing Public Library and one at the Mountain Iron Public Library. A local glass artist has begun work on a series of glass storybook panels for the Hibbing Public Library that reflects the art, culture and history of that community. A local muralist has begun painting murals of eight scenes for the Mountain Iron Public Library. Four of these murals will be 6.5’ x 4’ and four will be 4.5’ x 4’. These murals will depict key locations and historical times within Mountain Iron. John Gregor of Coldsnap Photography provided an inspiring presentation of photographs and ideas, tips and techniques to help participants become better photographers. The program was geared toward teens and adults and consisted of two sessions of approximately 45 minutes each. The first session focused on photographing nature; the second focused on taking pictures of people.
Artwork in progress. 236 patrons attended these programs. Date of Program: Thursday, May 3, 2012, 6:00 PM Two Harbors Public Library; Monday, May 7, 2012, 6:30 PM Baudette Public Library; Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 6:30 PM International Falls Public Library; Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 1:30 PM Chisholm Public Library , 6:30 PM Mt. Iron Public Library; Thursday, May 10, 2012, 1:30 PM Calumet Public Library , 4:15 PM Coleraine Public Library; Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10:30 AM Grand Rapids Area Library , 2:00 PM Nashwauk High School Library; Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6:30 PM Silver Bay Public Library; Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 6:30 PM Hoyt Lakes Public Library; Thursday, May 17, 2012, 6:30 PM Duluth Public Library; Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10:30 AM Eveleth Public Library , 2:00 PM Buhl Public Library; Monday, May 21, 2012, 6:30 PM Cloquet Public Library; Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 6:30 PM Babbitt Public Library; Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 6:30 PM Ely Public Library.
Produce a lasting public artwork that reflects the community’s art, culture, and history, and allows acknowledgement and celebration of community identity and inspires creative reflection. This program also brings regional awareness to local artists’ talents and provides visibility for regional talent. The intended outcome of this photography program was to offer participants the opportunity to develop their skills as photographers: learn techniques from an expert, learn basics of exposure, focus and composition, and have questions answered.
Comments from participants: "I feel so fortunate to have access to this information at no charge and close to my home. Great opportunity!" "This allowed me to bring my cadettes Girl Scout troop from Little Fork. They enjoyed the presentation and have learned some skills to take with them going forward." "[I learned] many things about lighting, setting up a shot and just the different ways to get depth into a photo. "[I learned] how to gain acceptance to photograph people in other countries without using the spoken word—body language and acceptance. "You need to preserve your digital images to pass on your family history."
Arrowhead Library System and Hibbing Public Library, Mountain Iron Public Library, artist Ron Benson, artist Spencer Hahne. The Hibbing Public Library is working to provide glass from their building. Mountain Iron Public Library coordinated a series of meetings to gather community input on the creation of the murals. Artist Ron Benson is working with Hibbing Public Library (HPL) to maximize the use of his panels including the offer to create extras for the HPL Friends to sell and raise money. Artist Spencer Hahne has revised the scope of his work from painting on the library walls to painting removable panels to extend the life of the artwork by making it moveable and storable (if needed). The Libraries across the region provided the staff, facility, and electricity to host the photography program. They also marketed the programs through their respective communication media (e.g. facebook, Twitter, website, newsletters, etc).