The collection and celebration of art has always been an important part of Curtis Memorial Library’s mission and culture. Now, the library is seeking to curate and expand its art collection to ensure it reflects the many voices and stories of Brunswick and Harpswell.
A new Curtis Art Committee is inviting artists, donors and collectors to submit original artworks that capture the essence of the area and the diverse communities that live and work in it.
Selected art will become a vital, working part of the library’s mission through long-term displays; rotating, temporary exhibitions; and hands-on programming for adults and children.
“Curtis Memorial Library has a uniquely rich art collection that dates back to our beginnings and has continued to grow through today,” Executive Director Liz Doucett said. “We are so excited to open this call for art so we can better mirror our community and tell their story for years to come.”
The Art Committee plans to expand the library’s art collection so it becomes an evolving, living mirror of the people and voices of the community. Additions to the collection should articulate a vision of what community means in present-day Brunswick and Harpswell, considering the people who live or lived in the towns, the sense of place, collective goals for the future, and residents’ interactions with one another.
The Art Committee has secured private funding to purchase or accept gifts from artists, donors and art collectors based in Brunswick or Harpswell, or with significant connections to Brunswick or Harpswell.
Mary Kate Kwasnik, art librarian, is leading the Curtis Art Committee with Doucett. Other members are Lisa Botshon, former chair of the library’s board; Tahnthawan Coffin, current chair of the board; Candace Kanes, board member; Erin Hutton, art adviser, curator and founder of Erin Hutton Projects; Karin Hoppenbrouwers, board member; Nina Jerome, artist; Kristin Jhamb, board member; and Roberta Schwartz, art collector and retired Bowdoin College librarian.
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 17. Final decisions will be announced by June 19. For more information or to submit art for consideration, go to curtislibrary.com/callforart or email Kwasnik at mkkwasnik@curtislibrary.com.
