Tompkins County Public Library

Friday, September 7, 2012

Library to Offer Gallery Night Exhibit Access

The Tompkins County Public Library will showcase an assortment of thought-provoking and timely exhibits during Downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night from 5 to 8 p.m. September 7.

Being highlighted during Gallery Night are: “Farewell,” an exhibit of ceramic birch sculptures created by nationally-exhibiting, renowned sculptor Eric Seritella, “Banned Books, a display of books torn from the shelves of school and public libraries, “Drawing on Democracy,” an exhibit that challenges the meaning and interpretation of the word “democracy” and “Heart Gallery,” an exhibit of photographs of available foster children waiting for forever families. 

“Farewell” marks Seritella’s last local show before his family relocates and showcases his magnificent, hand-carved ceramic trompe l’oeil creations which transform clay into life-like birch sculptures.

In celebration of TCPL’s Freedom to Read Week, the library will highlight “Banned Books,” a display of books that have been challenged or banned from schools, public libraries and by national governments due to their content. 

This provocative exhibit is designed to remind readers of the importance of access to uncensored literature.

“Drawing on Democracy,” offers a glimpse into the definition of “democracy” according to nine local artists.

Curated by Terry Plater, “Drawing on Democracy,” features multi-media pieces by Ben Altman, Stan Bowman, Jane Dennis, Yvonne Piburn, Steven Phillips, Nancy Ridenour, Werner Sun, Marion Van Soest and Plater and offers a visual and hands-on exploration of democracy.  Issues explored by the exhibit include:  the honorable treatment of children, the unambiguous recognition of religious freedom, the flag as a metaphor for inclusion or as a fabric of disarray, the spectrum of public participation and the notion of artistic expression and creation.

“Drawing on Democracy” is supported by a grant from the Community Arts Partnership.

The final exhibit, “Heart Gallery” showcases photographs of children who have been cleared for adoption by New York State.  Local Foster/Adoption advocates will offer a presentation on fostering and adopting older children at the Library from 5 to 6 p.m. during Gallery Night.

Gallery Night is free and open to the public.  Access to library exhibits during this event will be through the BorgWarner Community Room entrance, which is located under the awning behind the Green Street TCAT bus shelter and adjacent to Gimme! Coffee.

For more information about these or other library exhibits, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

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