Artist Curated Book Display

In February 2012, the library launched the Artist Curated Book Display series, which invites an artist from the community to create a display of ten items that inspire them from the library collections. Alongside the display the artist will showcase an example of their work.

The program is an opportunity for artists to share their work with the public and to emphasize how the public library is a resource for creativity.

In December 2012, the library will host the artwork of Patrick Healy. The public is invited to hear Patrick discuss his work on Wednesday, December 12th at 7:00pm in the Levenson Room of the library. He will talk about the path he has taken with his artwork, what inspires him to create art and what inspires him to continue to work as an artist. Patrick will be the first artist in the series to give a talk.

Patrick Healey is a landscape painter living and working in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and has been exhibiting artwork for more than thirty years. His art career began in the late 70's while studying in Rome.

Patrick has participated in numerous solo and group shows over the years including shows at Nahcotta, the Strawbery Banke Museum, the George Marshall Gallery and the Currier Gallery of Art. In 2011, after a self-appointed hiatus, he returned to painting with the bold goal of creating 100 works.

“Patrick is a regular at the library.” said Jennifer Moore, library assistant and creator of the program. “He was one of the first to comment on the program series. He really understands what I am trying to do with this program and I am delighted that he has agreed to participate.”

“The Portsmouth library is such a wonderful library.” said Patrick Healey. “It is an honor to be asked to create a display of books that have had such a significant influence on my life.”

The book display and art exhibit will show in the library for the entire month of December. Future artists will be announced in advance on the library's website and through its Facebook and Twitter pages

Library materials that inspired Patrick to create his work:

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Life and Art of Albrecht Dürer by Emily Panofsky
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
Dove by Robin Lee Graham
Rumi: Bridge to the Soul translated by Coleman Barks
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
A Guide to Drawing by Daniel M. Mendelowitz
The Family of Man created by Edward Steichen
Matisse: A Retrospective edited by Jack Flam

Previous artists who have participated in the Artist Curated Book Display series include:

Rose Umerlik, a Secoast resident whose abstract paintings are executed in lush, glistening oil paints on wooden panels. Her abstractions are evocative, of mood and feeling as well as of people or places. See photos from her exhibit here.
Nancy Horton, a local photographer and recipient of numerous grants and awards, most recently an Artists Entrepreneurial Grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. See photos from her exhibit here.
Roger Goldenberg, a Portsmouth artist, known for his jazz-inspired, highly textured abstract work. See photos from his exhibit here.

For more information about the program or for a media preview, please contact:

Jennifer Moore

Portsmouth Public Library

Library Assistant -Technical Services

Program Committee

jamoore@cityofportsmouth.com

603-766-1731