Community Art Walls The Community Art Wall program was born from the library’s strategic plan to investigate opportunities for displaying public art as a means of increasing cultural programming and serving Naperville’s diverse population. Library staff created the initial displays for the first art wall at the 95th Street Library in 2017. Today, there are three display areas—one at each branch—available for exhibits of framed or mounted artworks by local artists, students in Districts 203 and 204 schools, and not-forprofit groups. Typically, exhibits are on display for three months before they’re replaced with something new. Artists interested in displaying their artwork can submit an online form found on the library’s website. Shinneman has been part of the Community Art Wall program since the beginning. “Being able to give local artists and organizations an opportunity to share their talents with the community has been extremely rewarding,” she says. Community Art Walls are continuously on display at each location. Check out the library’s Facebook page for examples of current and past art wall exhibits.
Why Art at the Library? As Shinneman sees it, art and literacy complement each other, and the library is the perfect place to tap into one’s creative side. “In our story times, we focus on the five early literacy practices—reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing,” she explains. “These practices help children develop the skills they need to become successful readers. Art is applicable to many of the five early literacy practices. For example, children can use context clues from the illustrations in a picture book to predict what is going to happen next in the story. Drawing is one of the first forms of writing young children practice. Asking children to describe their artwork is a wonderful way to practice vocabulary skills. Lastly, art allows children to be creative and use their imaginations!” From creating a mini masterpiece to enjoying others’ artistic talents on an art wall, the Naperville Public Library weaves art, literacy, and community together—and that’s a beautiful combination. For more about the library’s offerings, visit www.naperville-lib.org.
Author: Bethanie Hestermann Bethanie Hestermann is a freelance writer and author. She’s written five animal-science books for kids, with a sixth being published next year. When not writing, she loves camping and traveling with her family. She earned her M.A. in Writing and Publishing at DePaul University.
4-SHOW SUBSCRIPTIONS
START AT $56 2022 / 2023 BROADWAY SERIES
SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW! THE BEST THEATER FOR THE BEST PRICE. Jeff Award Winner for Best Large Musical three years in a row, Paramount Theatre in Downtown Aurora offers the best in Broadway. Visit ParamountAurora.com or call 630.896.6666. Thanks to our Broadway Series sponsors:
I work out of my Breckenridge Estates home studio. For purchases, email: carpentersdaughternaperville@gmail.com
Gina Riley Main & Luxe, October/November 2022
19
