Public Art

Many members of our community including library patrons are unaware that the library houses several donated fine art pieces that are displayed throughout the library. During and after the unveiling event of this new public artwork we will work to change that awareness through advertising, marketing and promotions that the library also displays fine art. We would expect several outcomes from this effort. The number of patrons who encounter fine art at the library after June 2023 would increase The number of community members including patrons who encounter fine art will increase because they use the walking path day or night Collected surveys filled out at the event will indicate an increased awareness that the library hosts fine art The library begins to shift its identity from just providing books and services to elevating it to a resource with quality Success can be gauged in a few ways. We will know that the community is aware of art in the library, when we see patrons taking a few minutes to stop and view the art. Receiving verbal or written feedback about the artwork will inform us that the community is aware they can visit the library and find fine art for local viewing. Any artwork feedback signals that a visit to the library provides experiences beyond books. ; We want to begin changing the perception that the library only holds books by shifting its identity and elevating it to a resource where you can encounter quality art by hosting this stained-glass panel for the library patrons and the community. Measuring by count would be the main evaluation method used to show the increased encounters with fine art starting with a baseline of zero. Each additional time period measured would show the changes in viewing. For a physical count of patrons that come into the library and pass by the stained-glass panel, counts could be taken at various times for The number of patrons entering the west entrance, The number of patrons entering the periodical room, The number of tours given to K-12 classes for schools The number of programs that incorporate stained-glass projects Any of these counts would show that an increased number of patrons have encountered fine art. Potentially, the counts could show an increase in community members' encounters with classes and programs. The second evaluation method would be from the surveys completed during and after the unveiling would give us more information about the outcomes. Any of the responses will be tabulated and categorized, and the results and conclusions will be used by FOBL to evaluate the proposed outcomes. In addition, the conclusions will be shared with the Library Board and the City of Buffalo to confirm interest and patron usage. ; Measure the increased encounters with fine art by taking counts of library patrons that enter through the west entrance or enter the periodical room where the stained-glass panel is installed. Count students on tours given about the fine art.