Library displays its local art appreciation

Discovery. Connections. Inspiration. The La Conner ­Swinomish Library's mission is to create a safe, supportive and welcoming place that goes beyond providing traditional library resources.

Over the past four years, a small group of board members, library staff, community leaders, Tribal leaders and patrons of the arts have worked together to develop displays of Northwest art and Skagit historical pieces for our library.

A little background is needed. As the library neared completion, the library board approved the creation of a committee to develop a program that would provide opportunities to share the rich artistic and historical heritage of La Conner, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and surrounding areas. The board appointed Robert Hancock, a library trustee, to chair the committee.

The Art Committee was soon filled with representatives from the Swinomish tribe (Krista Hamburg), Museum of Northwest Art (Gretchen Dunlap McCauley), the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum (Jacque Chase), the Skagit County Museum (Jo Wolfe), Library Director Jean Markert, library board member Sarah Christensen, library board chair Susan Macek and community member Robert Hancock.

The committee first created a policy defining how the library would accept loans of art and historical pieces for display. This process was underway months before the new library opened and included consultations with the architects (BuildingWork) and library staff. The committee decided to implement a loan system that allowed a variety of pieces to be displayed throughout the year. The exception is the paddles on loan from the Swinomish tribe are a permanent display. They hang behind the circulation desk.

By having committee members from the Swinomish Tribe and the museums, the committee created a partnership that supports interaction and cooperation with La Conner organizations. This allowed for cross-promotion between our committee partners that established a strong community-based focus for the library.

Recently, local art patrons Maureen Harland, Dunlap McCauley and Kathy and Jerry Willins found art collectors who are willing to loan and display their art. Now on display is the third art/history exhibition in the library that focuses on the late local landscape painter Joel Brock and a 17-panel quilt from the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum.

We look forward to a new exhibition this fall/winter.

The community connection and generosity from our community partners has created artistic inspirational discoveries in our library.

Sarah Christianson is a La Conner Swinomish Library board member.