Revised 3/21/2024
Whitefield Library Board of Directors
Art Exhibit Policy and Waiver
(The Whitefield Library welcomes new exhibitors. Our policy and protocols for displaying artwork is below. Please read our policy, sign the waiver, and submit this agreement to the Library Director, who will be in contact with you regarding the arrangements of your exhibition. We look forward to hosting an exhibit of your work.)
Art Exhibit Policy
Statement of purpose:
The primary purpose of Whitefield Library art exhibits is to enhance the experience of the library patron.
Art Exhibits Coordinator:
The Library Director, in collaboration with the members of the Events/Programming Committee, shall be responsible for scheduling exhibits, selection of art to exhibit, and arranging for the presentation, installation and dismantling of all art exhibits within the constraints established by this policy.
Application to Exhibit:
Artists or craftsmen who wish to exhibit their original work, or collectors of fine art who wish to exhibit their pieces, may contact the Library Director to request an opportunity to exhibit. All requests will be reviewed as outlined in this policy.
Selection of Art:
The Library Director is responsible for the selection of art. Special consideration will be given to works of art produced by local artists. Preference may be given to artists who have not displayed at the library within two years. Art selected for display must be of exhibition quality and overall community interest. Works selected for exhibit must be appropriate for all ages. Samples of art must be available to the Library Director for review prior to acceptance. The Whitefield Library reserves the right to reject any exhibit in full or in part. Any artist or exhibitor so rejected may appeal to the Library Board of Directors.
Exhibition Presentation, Installation, and Dismantling:
All artwork must have a finished appearance suitable for gallery display. Two-dimensional artwork must be framed and wired ready for hanging. Unframed artwork may not be exhibited unless it is wrapped canvas with painted edges or other artistic techniques where it provides for a finished look. The artist or lender of three-dimensional works of art must provide a means of display, which must be approved by the Library Director prior to acceptance to exhibit. Art shall be hung or placed in areas specified by the library. The Library Director will supervise the hanging, display and dismantling of all exhibits. The condition of the library walls will be a factor in hanging the art. Typical exhibits will run one month. Other time periods may be arranged by the Library Director. All works of art must remain on display until the closing of the exhibition. If an item is sold, it may be replaced with another item. It is preferred that sold pieces remain with the exhibit until its close.
Artist Reception/Publicity:
The Library Director will ask the exhibitor if they would like an artist’s reception. Every effort will be made to host a reception if possible, though it is not guaranteed. The artist will be asked for a biography, related to their exhibit, to be used for advertising and openly available for library patrons to read. The date of the reception will be coordinated between the exhibitor and the Library Director, around the availability of the library facility. The Library Director will advertise the event in local publications where there is no fee. Light refreshments will be served.
Fees:
No admission fee will be charged for any exhibit in the library. There shall be no fee for the exhibitor. The library asks for 30% of the total value of sold art as a result of the exhibit in the library.
Sales:
All sales are the responsibility of the artist. The artist will provide pricing labels to be displayed with each exhibit piece unless other arrangements are made with the Library Director. A complete list of all exhibit pieces, including pricing will be retained at the library checkout desk for reference. This will also assure all pieces are accounted for. Contact information shall be provided by the artist and will be available at the library’s checkout desk. Library staff and volunteers are not responsible for collecting money. They will serve as liaison between artist and buyer by providing contact information if requested.
Security and Liability:
The Library is not responsible for reimbursement or replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged items. The exhibiting artist must provide their own insurance coverage. The artist will be required to complete and sign a waiver of liability for the Whitefield Library before any works of art are exhibited. Such waiver form shall be kept on file in the library.
Policy Adopted: January 18, 2024
Cheryle Joslyn, President, Whitefield Library Board of Directors