Art in the Park Library
While the CMU Libraries’ book, journal, and media collections are well-known to our users, less is known about the library’s art collection. While it doesn’t serve the same function as our research materials, the library’s art collection is an important part of the Park Library’s identity.
Our Collection
The library’s art collection is part of the larger Central Michigan University art collection, which consists of more than 900 items. The library owns approximately 330 pieces of art, so just over one-third of the university’s overall collection. The collection includes mostly paintings, drawings, prints, and other 2-D items, with approximately 100 sculptures and other 3-D pieces.
The library art coordinator, Denise Fanning, is responsible for the well-being, storage, placement, and rotation of the library’s artwork, and much of the university’s art collection.
All library-owned pieces are housed in the Park Library, as is most of the university’s collection, because the building has more storage space than other buildings on campus. The library has ample wall and floor space for displaying art, thus most of the university’s three-dimensional art pieces are displayed in the library. Although art from the campus collection is displayed in multiple buildings around campus, art purchased for the library collection is typically displayed only in the Park Library.
At any given time, there are about 225 pieces of art, from both the library and university collections, displayed throughout the Park Library building. Artwork is rotated throughout the building as time and priorities allow. Denise Fanning and her student assistants rotate items on display when new pieces are acquired, when a space is renovated or rearranged, or when a themed display comes into the library (such as the student art displays on the 3rd floor). Placement of artwork depends on such things as the available space and the nature of the piece itself. Some works such as fiber arts and works on paper are light-sensitive; these items are kept in a lower light area with special bulbs to minimize light impact. Very large works tend to be more stationary since the options for displaying them are limited.
The items in the Denison Native American Art display cases on the fourth floor are changed biennially and in coordination with the Clarke Historical Library. The Denison exhibition is curated by Fanning’s student assistants, giving them a ands-on learning experience with her guidance and oversight.
When did the library begin collecting art?
We don’t know exactly when the CMU Libraries began acquiring and displaying art. Art was on display in the Park Library before the renovation in 1999-2001, and it appears the library has always tried to incorporate some art into its spaces. Under the leadership of Emeritus Dean of Libraries Tom Moore, the library’s art collection was given more emphasis and support. Moore appreciates the arts and values the role of art in learning environments. This legacy of integrating artwork into the Park Library’s public spaces continues today, with all areas of the library featuring original artwork which is regularly rotated to keep perspectives fresh and the environment inspiring.
How do we obtain new art?
The art in our collections has been acquired either through donation or purchase. Artwork is often purchased from artists who have exhibited on campus in the Baber Room Gallery and the University Art Gallery. Priority is given to artists with a connection to CMU (such as current or former students and faculty), and the artist’s relationship to the local and greater Michigan arts scene. In recent years, we’ve focused on adding art that reflects the many people and stories that shape life in our communities.
The Art on Campus committee
Decisions about purchasing artworks or accepting donations are made by the Art on Campus committee. The Art on Campus committee evolved from the Campus Beautification Committee, which was created to provide oversight on university and library artwork.
The Art on Campus Committee meets monthly and consists of eight individuals. Along with Denise Fanning, there are individuals from the Department of Art and Design, the College of Arts and Media, and other university personnel. The committee discusses and makes decisions on the artwork currently on campus (such as maintenance and restoration), votes on proposed donations and purchases, assesses buildings and spaces which need art on their walls, and selects items for placement. It also helps university presidents, provosts, and deans choose art for their offices when asked.
Art on Campus chairperson, Anne Gochenour, in collaboration with Denise Fanning and her student assistants, maintains a database of art on campus, which includes a full description of each item in the collection.
Be sure to notice the art the next time you’re in the Park Library and keep an eye open for art in other campus buildings, too. Each piece represents a little history of CMU, and it’s been placed there to inspire you, make you think, and bring a little color to your day.