A blank wall in Adult Services across from the elevator is a display gallery for local artists. The library hopes to have a different artist's works each month. Many of them will belong to the Addison Art Guild.
If you are interested in displaying your art, contact Sally Schuster, 630.458.3303. The Board of Trustees have established a policy for displaying art.
The intriguing abstract modern paintings of Adrienne Jaroscak are on display for the month of August. They are located across from the elevator on the 2nd floor.
Adrienne is an accomplished artist who works in many media. Her preferred primary media is acrylic for its rich textures. She paints from her imagination which allows for the creative freedom reflected in many of her compositions.
Adrienne's list of accomplishments are many. She won a scholarship to The Art Institute of Chicago at age 13 immediately followed by a scholarship to the The Fine Arts Institute in New York City. She helped organize the picture lady program presented to children in schools in the western suburbs of Chicago. She helped develop the Elmhurst Fine Arts and Civic Center Foundation, hosted several shows at The Netti Rubenstine Art Gallery in New York City, presented many workshops, and served as a local judge in art shows.
Take a moment the next time you are in the library to find the faces in Adrienne's paintings.
Permanent Works
Irene Boutzarelos and Francine Nevers: Chasing Butterflies
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The Friends of the Addison Public Library contracted with two local artist, Irene Boutzarelos and Francine Nevers, to create a mural for the Quiet Reading Room. Their creation, "Chasing Butterflies," was recently installed.
The artists developed a PowerPoint presentation that details the materials and efforts that went into making this mural. |
The mural contains 80 different butterflies. It was constructed of recycled material and is an amazing addition to the Library's growing art collection.
Annette Perone Leiber: Pen and Ink Drawings of the Library
The Friends of the Addison Public Library asked local artist Annette Perone Leiber to create pen and ink drawings to illustrate the three buildings that have housed the library since it opened in October 1962: the old Village Hall, the former library building which served the community from 1968-2008, and the new facility that opened last summer. The Friends presented the drawings to the library at the June 16th meeting of the Board of Trustees. They have been hung in the library’s board room.
Gregory Gove: Grand Openings
Artist Gregory Gove was selected to create a sculpture for the new library. Installed in August 2008, "Grand Openings" is a collection of 30 books, lit fiberoptically. Each book has a different figure arising from the pages. The books are hung from the ceiling of the second floor and extend into the open space of the first floor. It can also be seen from Army Trail Boulevard.
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Installation of "Grand Openings"
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Looking up from the 1st floor
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One view from the 2nd floor
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James Haire: Enchantment of Reading
Renowned artist James Haire of Fort Collins, Colorado, was chosen to create a second 
sculpture, "Enchantment of Reading," to commemorate Jennifer Belford, an Addison Public Library staff member who died in an automobile accident on June 7, 2000.
Installed in 2002 at the entrance to the Children's Department, the sculpture celebrates the world of books as seen through the eyes of a child. The sculpture invites both children and adults to share in the "Enchantment of Reading."
"Enchantment of Reading" has relocated to the Children's Library in the new building and continues to welcome children and adults.
The plaque dedicating the sculpture reads "Enchantment of Reading" by Jim Haire
Donated by the family and friends of Jennifer Diane Belford, in loving tribute to her lifelong devotion to the written word. "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island...and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." – Walt Disney |
James Haire: A Book for Everyone
Renowned artist James Haire of Fort Collins, Colorado, designed A Book for Everyone, the almost six-foot bronze sculpture of a boy reading a book. The base of the statue is a pile of books, many of which have titles invented by Jim's family. Jim also wrote the story, Castle Calderone, the boy is reading. This sculpture celebrates the love of reading, which should be encouraged in everyone, especially children.
The sculpture was located to the east of the entryway of the 2 Friendship Plaza building. It was moved to its new home to the west of the entry of the new library at 4 Friendship Plaza. The commemorative bricks which recognize individuals, families, civic organizations, businesses and industries, and vendors and benefactors still surround the sculpture.
The Outdoor Reading Room was dedicated on Sunday, April 11, 1999, the first day of National Library Week.