Art Exhibits
The library proudly offers a rich collection of permanent and loaned art for the enjoyment of the community, which is displayed throughout the building and rotated on a regular basis. The Art League of Montgomery County has a collection of artwork displayed on the library’s second floor, which is on loan indefinitely to the library.
An all-ages exhibition space, The Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery, is located on the first floor of the library. The gallery hosts three annual shows by local artists; the Annual Tri Kappa Student Art Show, the Sugar Creek Quilters’ Guild, and the Art League of Montgomery County Members’ Exhibit. The gallery provides the community with a diverse rotation of local, regional, national, and international art exhibits.
The Gallery Space
The exhibition space contains 108 feet of self-healing wall space, three glass display cases, and six pedestals and is always open during regular library hours. The gallery provides standard installation tools and materials.
Installation Details
Artists are responsible for the installation and removal of artworks. A CDPL representative will be available to answer questions and provide limited assistance. All works to be hung must be inside the borders of the self-healing walls within the gallery space. No adhesives may be used; painter’s tape or mounting putty are acceptable. No items may be hung from the ceiling. Pedestals and easels must be requested in advance. Items on pedestals, easels, or freestanding sculptures may not block walkways, exits, or elevators, nor impede access to the library’s collection.
Any works left after 30 days without prior arrangements will become the property of CDPL.
The MBM Gallery reserves the right to refuse any works at any time that it deems inappropriate for this all-ages, publicly-accessible space.
Promotions
The gallery will submit an announcement to the local newspapers and radio stations, as well as promote the artist’s exhibit on our website and social media platforms. We request that the artist(s) provide a bio, artwork or exhibit statement, and a headshot.
Sales
There is no cost to display art, and items do not have to be for sale. If you decide to sell your work during the exhibition period, the gallery charges a 20% commission, and cash-only sales are managed in the Circulation Department. The artist(s) will be paid when they remove their artwork from the gallery.
Exhibit Events
The artist(s), or an artist-approved sponsor, may plan a reception and is responsible for any associated cost, as there is no budget to offer these types of services. You may book a meeting room for an artist talk or reception during CDPL’s regular hours of operation. Please feel free to email the Circulation Department or the gallery coordinator for more information about how to reserve a meeting room for gallery use.