By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Visitors to the Westborough Public Library are invited to participate (in a book discussion, a workshop or story time), enjoy (a film, a great book or a speaker), use (computers, e-readers or online reference sources), discover (their genealogy, a new author or a travel destination) or learn (a new language or local history). Now, the library also invites visitors to view the work of local artists at the rotating art show currently located in the meeting room on the lower level of the library. Library Director Maureen Ambrosino hopes that upcoming artists will use some of the walls on the main floor for their work as well.
Art in the library offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity and progressive attitudes of local artists – giving them the space and opportunity to showcase their talent.
The show kicked off with the artwork of Westborough realtor Debbie Schradieck. Next, Ed Turner, owner of the Art and Frame Emporium, filled the walls with a collection of his work, which includes pen and ink, acrylics and watercolor.
“We hope the art shows will bring new people into the library to see what we offer,” Ambrosino said. ?”There are many services and materials that we offer, besides books, that people don’t know we have – DVDs and video games to borrow not rent, free and discounted passes to museums and tourist spots, free downloadable e-books and audiobooks, and comfortable, welcoming spaces to meet up with others ?We have events planned weekly for all ages and interests. Our staff is friendly and helpful, and we hope when people come in to see the art they will sign up for library cards and use all our great services and materials.”
Ambrosino expects that the art show will be an ongoing project, with a different artist coming in each month. As a local artist and business owner, Turner has many connections in the Westborough art community and has volunteered to help schedule artists, and assist them with framing and hanging their work
“I think having the art shows here at the library highlights our role as a hub of the community,” Ambrosino said. “We are always making connections here – connecting people with books, with information, and with each other. The art shows will allow residents to connect with art and their neighbors who created it, in a very local and personal way. There is so much talent right here in Westborough, and it is exciting to be able to showcase it in our library.”
Library visitors are invited to view the art show in the meeting room any time the library is open.
Local artists wishing to display their work at the library are asked to contact Turner at the Art and Frame Emporium in the Westborough Shopping Center (at the corner of Route 9 and Lyman Street) or by calling him at 508-366-5650.
