The Crawfordsville District Public Library would like to invite our patrons to support the arts by being knowledgeable art advocates during American Artist Appreciation Month. Artists of the Americas have become the dominant supporters of artistic freedom and have the ability to bring attention to important topics. American artists have no obligation to any one group and have the freedom to reflect on personal experiences, hot topics, and imaginary ideas in any medium they choose. Crawfordsville District Public Library has an extensive collection of art-themed reading materials for every type of creative interest.
Christine Mather guides you through some of the earliest American artworks. She showcases the artistic knowledge that has accumulated from the religious traditions of the Pueblo peoples who have inhabited the southwest of the US for thousands of years. “Native America: Arts, Traditions, and Celebrations” (704.0397 Mat) is full of colorful imagery of art, design, and the creative people who have continued to use traditional methods developed by their ancestors.
Susan Goldman Rubin shines a light on some of the most prolific outsiders. In the “Art Against the Odds — From Slave Quilts to Prison Painters” (700.9 Rub) she discusses the artworks made by the incarcerated, orphans, captives and others deemed as social outsiders. These individuals created complex narratives with simple tools and recycled materials while battling the most unfortunate circumstances. You can also learn about a group of tattooed women who empowered themselves by working in sideshows, carnivals, and small museums in Amelia Kleim Osterud’s book, “The Tattooed Lady: A History” (391.65 Ost).
Nail art is an art form that was practiced by the Incan Empires in the 15th century and is the earliest example in recorded history. In “500 Nail Designs” (646.727 Fra), Chelsea Franklin encourages anyone to take nail art to the next level. This book is not an instructional manual. It is fully-colored photographic documentation of possibilities and it is for any level of nail artistry.
The rise of popularity in Graphic Novels has rocketed the careers of illustrators and storytellers alike. “I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation” (GN 921 Nourigat, N) shares the information acquired by the author and illustrator Natalie Nourigat. She talks about what she has learned from making the move west to pursue an animation career including time-saving advice. “Making Comics — Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels” (GN 741.5 McC) is another example of a nonfiction illustrated story. This graphic novel by Scott McCloud focuses on the development of skills and points out the deliberate actions used to visually express ideas.
Take an in-depth look at the scandal that rocked the art world in “The Art of the Steal: Inside the Sotheby’s-Christie’s Auction House Scandal” (364.168 Mas). Christopher Mason tells the infamous story of how two high-end auction houses changed the art market in this elegantly written account of a true historic crime.
CDPL supports the local art and culture community in several ways beyond our reading materials and hands-on programs. We have a permanent collection of artworks by artists connected to the region that reaches back to the beginning of the library’s creation. Several of the pieces can be seen adorning the walls of our building any day of the week. We house the special collection of the Art League of Montgomery County, as well as famous local art celebrities.
Finally, consider enjoying the current artists’ exhibits in the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery on the first floor. The gallery hosts seven to 10 shows a year such as the annual Tri Kappa Student, Sugar Creek Quilters Guild and the Art League of Montgomery County group exhibits, as well as local, regional, national and international solo shows.
Stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor for assistance, and take a moment to examine our creative collection of reading materials. If you are interested in searching our catalog in advance, signing up for an upcoming program, reserving a meeting room or learning how to obtain a library card, visit our website at www.cdpl.lib.in.us. CDPL is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Toni Ridgway-Woodall is a library assistant in the Reference and Local History department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
