Opposite page, l-r: “Childhood Unabridged”
and a mural depicting scenes from
Alice in Wonderland.
This page, top row:
“The Sleepy ABC,” Mercer
resident artist Anna Hsu,
“New Steps on Old Paths.”
Middle: Fabric quilt created
by Shaker children and adults.
Bottom: Onaway resident artist
Jane Petschek.
WWW.SHAKER.LIFE | SUMMER 2018 21
The Library’s art gallery is available to local artists who wish to exhibit and sell their
body of work. Applications to exhibit can be found online at shakerlibrary.org.
Onaway resident artist and printmaker Jane Petschek recently exhibited her work
and commented, “The art gallery in the Main Library is a lovely space for artists to
display their artwork and to interact with visitors in the community. As an emerging
artist, I think it is so wonderful to have local support in a great venue. At my Library
exhibition I sold some artwork, and the exposure helped me obtain other group and
solo shows.”
The yearly Barbara Luton Art Competition, launched with funds provided by Friends
of the Shaker Library to honor a former library director on her retirement, affords local
artists the opportunity to have their artwork juried and recognized. Each year one piece
is selected as Best of Show and is purchased by the Library for its permanent collection.
Since its inception, the Library has added 19 pieces of art including works by Shaker
residents Gary Williams, Horace Reese, Johnine Byrne, Daniel George, Mary Ryan, Amy
Lewandowsi, Elise Newman, and Anna Hsu.
Upon being notified that her watercolor, “New Steps on Old Paths,” was selected as
the 2018 Best of Show, Mercer resident Anna Hsu commented, “When I received news
that my art piece was juried as the Best of
Show, I was thrilled. I am very happy and
honored to have my painting on display at
the Shaker Library. My family has called
Shaker Heights home since 1978, and
we have always appreciated Shaker’s rich
cultural diversity. I am grateful for the
opportunity to contribute to that diversity
through my art, which is rooted in the
style of Chinese brush paintings.
The Library’s mission, “to strengthen
community and transform lives by
bringing together people, information,
and ideas” is further enhanced by the
addition of art, which brings people and
places to life. SL
Upcoming Exhibits
July: The Voice of Today’s Quilts, an exhibit of story
quilts by the African-American Quilt and Doll Guild.
August and September:
The Van Sweringens’ Ads and Their Artists.
Discover the art and artists the Van Sweringens
employed to promote Shaker Village and
Shaker Heights.
/WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
/shakerlibrary.org