Calgary Public Library now provides free space for art exhibits at seven Calgary Public Library locations: Bowness Library, the Central Library, Country Hills Library, Crowfoot Library, Louise Riley Library, Southwood Library, and Thorn-Hill Library.

Drop by to enjoy the creative works produced by local artists, reflecting Calgary's diverse attitudes and interests. Artists, find out how to apply to have your work shown at the Calgary Public Library.

Current Show at the Central Library

In Memory of a Book

 June, 2013

This month we're pleased to feature artist Kristen Powell at the Central Library.

Kristen is a born and raised Calgarian artist with over four years of experience working in a variety of media and specializing in sculpture. She graduated from the University of Calgary with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Studies. She has a passion for sculpting with wood, plaster and digital methods such as CNC. She is inspired by nature, the contrast between the natural and urban, brain psychology and physiology and human communication.  She has exhibited her work in both solo and group shows and recently had her work acquired by the Alberta Children’s Hospital in their permanent collection.

Artist Statement

I present these books in memory of their life cycle. Through the imagination of an author they began. Forged from trees that had a life of their own, the words came to life on paper. At the library they sat and many read their stories. Whether loved too much or not enough, they were discarded. I transformed them again to share another message. As I punched out leaves from the pages, I was reminded of their origin. I mourn the loss of these books because I have not enjoyed them myself. They can no longer be read entirely, but can be experienced ephemerally through my installation. Eventually these books will return to the land and the cycle of inspiration, to physical object, to viewer will continue.