Arts at the Barrington Area Library

Gallery in the Library | Sculpture Garden

The Barrington Area Library's arts program expands the library’s mission by stimulating imagination and fostering lifelong learning. Through temporary exhibits, original works are displayed in the Gallery in the Library and Sculpture Garden for the viewing and enjoyment of its visitors. All exhibits are coordinated by the Arts Advisory Committee of the Board of Library Trustees.

Gallery in the Library

Visit the Gallery in the Library to see the work of local artists in a variety of  two-dimensional media. Created in 1979, the Gallery hosts six to twelve exhibitions per year, each typically spanning three to seven consecutive weeks. Located on the library's first floor, the gallery space is open to the public. Artwork may be viewed during normal library hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00–5:00 p.m.

Sculpture Garden

The Barrington Area Library invites you to explore the sculpture and landscape gardens on our grounds. Unique among libraries, we offer an outdoor space for reading, viewing art, and contemplation. Nine garden areas contain plantings and sculptures that allow us to extend the library’s mission outside the building’s walls. We encourage you to use our gardens, whether you explore the artwork, relax in a reading area, have lunch at our picnic table, or join us for a children’s or family program outdoors. The sculptures, on temporary loan from area artists, and the gardens, change continually, so visit us often for a fresh look at what’s in bloom.

On display

Alter No. 3 (33” x 39” x 17”, Marble) Michael D. Brown, Palatine, IL Brown, a retired Harper College professor of art, uses stone because of its potential—it may have quarry marks, interesting shapes, surface textures, or colors. This piece was executed in Marble, Colorado, at an outdoor carving site.

Debate (2’6” x 4’ x 7’, Wood) Ed Kowalczyk, Arlington Heights, IL Kowalczyk created this sculpture after watching the debates for the 2000 presidential campaign. The four chairs represent the candidates in a confrontation over their ideas for governing America, while the similarity of the chairs suggests little difference in the candidates’ views.

Ascendere (80" x 24", Wood) Eugenia Makowski, Palatine, IL Makowski’s unconventional design style evolved over time—from clay constructions through relief compositions, raised collage patterns, wood laminations, and mixed media forms. Inspired by the raw beauty of natural media, Makowski sculpted visual, tactile, emotional expressions.

Quality Time (18” x 21” x 35”, Stoneware) Sheila Oettinger, Skokie, IL Permanent Collection Presented by the Barrington Junior Women’s Club in Memory of Cathy Schwartz Oettinger is interested in the emotional and psychological content of her subject matter as well as the relationships of form to space and that of one figure to another.

Rock Shell (31” x 16” x 16”, Concrete and steel) Lynn Olson, Valparaiso, IN Olson is interested in organic shapes and curves. He has pioneered techniques for using cement as a versatile, direct-sculpting medium which can be tool-worked, polished, or combined with other materials. Rock Shell is infused with steel wool fibers, creating a unique surface resembling stone, shell, and other natural media.

Little Arbor (78” x 26”, Steel, ceramic) George Voegel, Reno, NV Little Arbor gets its visual and symbolic origins from young pine trees and Asian pagoda buildings. It is intended to offer a visual and reflective pause to the viewer.

New Direction (40” x 66” x 24”, Bronze) Robert Winslow, Chicago, IL Commissioned by the Village of Barrington, this piece was originally displayed in front of Barrington’s Village Hall. Winslow calls this sculpture an “earth fabric life form,” intended to embody his private vision and the tensions and contrasts he sensed while imagining it. He hopes that viewers will respond internally to the proportions and patina.

Versare (115” x 37”, Found metal objects) Michael A. Zasadny, Cary, IL Zasadny, who turns everyday objects into sculpture, says that nothing has imbedded itself into his entire existence like creating sculpture. He feels that his lack of formal artistic training gives him freedom in his work. Versare is Latin, meaning “to move.” This piece is made from muffler parts and other found metal objects.

Arts Advisory Committee

The Arts Advisory Committee of the Board of Library Trustees consists of the Library's Executive Director, two Trustees, and two members of the community. The Gallery in the Library and Sculpture Garden are curated by Kelly Stachura and Lisa Swarbrick.