Carnegie Artists Showcase highlights community’s creativity

Throughout my 14 years working in public libraries, I’ve witnessed countless changes and innovations — some which stick, some which don’t.

But one consistent presence I didn’t really expect has been the constant conversation and interaction between public library service and the visual arts.

As a graduate student envisioning my future career, I’m sure I expected my share of toddler fingerpainting workshops and the like. Art experiences for kids are as vital as they are messy.

But the longer I spend as a librarian, the more clear this connection becomes for me — and not just for little ones. Artistic expression helps us find our shared humanity, exercise our empathy and strengthen the fabric of our community in a way that’s inseparable from the public library’s mission.

Visual art pops up all over the place in libraries — from tasks as simple as designing an eye-catching flyer to spread the word about our programs, to community collaborations as involved as the beautiful mosaic mural benches that grace the hillside of Library Park.

Since I came to the Carnegie Carnegie, I’ve enjoyed working with groups like the Artsmiths of Pittsburgh and Carnegie’s Studio Forget-Me-Not to offer arts and crafts programming, as well as connecting with other community members to feature their own creative output in the glass display cases that flank the library’s entrance.

Over the past few years, we’ve exhibited hand-made lace, original glasswork, ceramic butterfly sculpture, medieval illustration and multimedia projects from community members of all ages.

This summer, we’re excited to offer a new celebration of art and artistry in our community: the Carnegie Artists Showcase.

This two-week art exhibit in our downstairs Studio highlights the diversity of expression in Carnegie, featuring established and emerging artists working in a wide range of media. The community is home to a dynamic and growing group of artists.

“Carnegie’s art scene is alive with energy, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” said painter and owner of Firebox Art Studios Eva Trout. “(Firebox) features my work alongside that of several regional and national artists, with a strong focus on showcasing the talents of women artists.

“With its rich steel-town history, vibrant multicultural spirit and classic small-town American charm, Carnegie is a uniquely inspiring place to create, exhibit and connect through art.”

In addition to Trout’s work, the Carnegie Artists Showcase will feature oil paintings by Phil Salvato, illustrations by Dave Klug of Double Dog Studios, cat portraits by Bernadette Kazmarski; ceramics by Blake Anthony of Pittsburgh Pottery, illustrations of sports legends and musical icons by Ron Mahoney, metal sculptures by Anthony Vitale, religious icons by Michael Kapeluck, and illustrated crossovers between medieval art and contemporary pop culture by Dave Columbus.

“Carnegie has been home to many exceptional artists — for instance, Phil Salvato was selected to exhibit in China several years ago as one of the American artists chosen in a State Department initiative,” said Carnegie resident Bob Podurgiel, who has taken a leading role in planning this Showcase. “Anthony Vitale is another homegrown artist. The Carnegie Artists Showcase is a tremendous opportunity to highlight the work of Carnegie artists.”

The showcase is free to the public, but donations are gratefully accepted. The showcase is open during regular library hours from Aug. 2 to 16 (Mondays, noon to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

An official opening event will take place at 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 5, featuring live music from the library’s own Ukulele Strum-Along group and light refreshments. Find full details at CarnegieCarnegie.org.

I hope you’ll choose to spend some time with the unique works on display at the Carnegie Artists Showcase to see the world for a moment through a different pair of eyes, connect with the human experiences that the art expresses, and reflect on the wealth and range of creative talent within our community.

Walker Evans is the library director of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall.