2018 - Highlights from the Library's Art Collection

Ron Hinton

Shelter, 2002

Friends of the Library Purchase Award, Topeka Competition 27

Since 1977, the Friends of the Library have sponsored the Topeka Crafts Competitions (now called the Topeka Competition). The Competitions feature artwork in traditionally craft media: ceramics, glass, metals, jewelry, leather, and wood. Almost every time we hold these competitions, we purchase art for the library's art collection. Over the past forty years, with the continuous support of the Friends of the Library, we have amassed an impressive group of works. This exhibit features a selection of prior years' Purchase Awards.

Craft media allow so much variety in artistic expression. A utilitarian bowl, a realistic sculpture, or something completely abstract, these artworks provide a sense of the time and place in which they were made.