Library Resources

The library has three exhibit areas. There is no charge to exhibit in any of the areas. The public is invited to talk to the library director about exhibiting. 

The Gallery Wall
Local residents are invited to submit applications to hang their work on our gallery wall. Exhibits hang for one month and the artist is responsible for hanging and taking down their works, publicity, and hosting a reception should they desire. Artists should contact Phyllis Gargiulo at the library to arrange for an exhibit.

Exhibits and displays in the library shall reflect the library’s role as an educational and cultural institution. The library reserves the right to cancel any exhibit or display at any time.

1. The scheduling of exhibits and/or displays is the sole responsibility of the library and its staff. The selection and arrangement of the exhibit and/or display may be subject to the approval of the library and/or its designee.
2. Any individual, group, or organization may apply to place an exhibit or display in the library to benefit the residents of the community and patrons of the library.
3. An application is required for all exhibits and/or displays and is subject to the same terms and conditions as set forth for the use of the library’s public spaces.
4. Individuals and/or organizations are responsible for hanging their displays.
5. The hanging of all displays must be approved by the director before installation.
6. Nothing is to be mounted or attached to any other wall, cabinet, furniture, windows, doors, etc. of the Library without the express written approval of the director.
7. Exhibits shall be hung and removed by the dates and times specified on the application form. Failure to comply with such time frames may result in the removal of the display by the library staff. The library assumes no responsibility for the items at any time.
8. The library does not provide any specific insurance for any display or exhibit items nor items in their care, custody, and control.
9. The sale of art or other items on exhibit or display at the library by residents, groups, organizations, and/or artists is subject to a commission to the library of 20%. Such commission may be waived or reduced in the event the sale benefits another non-profit or not-for-profit organization. Such waiver or reduction is at the sole discretion of the library or its designee.

Due to the increased cost of insurance, the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library is no longer able to provide insurance coverage for temporary exhibits. Therefore, the library now requires that each exhibitor sign a Waiver/Release form, releasing the library of liability for any damage, loss, theft, or other injuries. Each exhibitor should also obtain, or check whether his or her existing insurance already provides, whatever insurance protection he or she feels is appropriate. Please note: The sale of art on exhibit is subject to a commission to the Library of 20%.

The Display Cases
Use of the display cases if generally reserved for the library and library programs. If you have something or a collection of items that would fit in the cases and you would like to show them, please contact the library director.

Conference Room
The wall space room is generally reserved for use by the NS Historical Society. 

CURRENT EXHIBITS

The conference room is currently holding photographs from the NS Historical Society in an exhibit called “Taverns, Inns, Hotels, and Restaurants.”  It shows how in the earlier days these establishments followed two main routes – the post road and the Route 22 corridor, and then there were a few “off the beaten path.”  Stop by and see a photo display of some old and a few not so old memorabilia.  There’s a map to guide you and more details on each, which will ultimately become a bulletin for our members.  It pays to be a member!  

The display cases are currently holding postcards from 1900 – 1950’s with photos by Cathy Morris of the same spots now.
In November 2020 they will hold a collection of plates commemorative of the landing of the Mayflower and the founding of the Plymouth and Jamestown colonies. This collection is owned by Robert Treadway.

The Gallery Wall

Exhibits in 2019

In January 2019, Nina Bertolino and the library’s Friday Morning Watercolor Group will exhibit their work. In the past year, this group has met every Friday to paint watercolors with Nina Bertolino as our creative director. We have learned to observe the world differently now, seeing the subtle shadows and shades in our everyday environment and learning to put them on paper. We are all talented amateurs who now love watercolors and enjoy each other’s company.

In February 2019 the featured artists will be students from the NS Nursery School. Family members, pets, favorite toys, superheroes, gardens, and homes, insects, and dinosaurs are just some of the subjects that populate the imaginations of preschool children. Their colorful renderings of them are freely creative and evocative. Each has a story behind it; each brings a smile to one’s face. As a group, they are simply delightful.

In March 2019 second grade students at PQ elementary school will be displaying their collages under the guidance of teacher Jayne Silverblade. These colorful collages were inspired by Henri Matisse. While the students were working on their cut-outs, they learned about free form shapes, positive and negative shapes, and contrasting colors and balance.

In April 2019 the North Salem High School digital photography classes I, II, and AP will display their photographs.

In May 2019 North Salem Middle School students will display their work.

In June 2019 Seema K. Varma will exhibit her work presenting a vivid collection of paintings that cover a variety of subjects and techniques all skillfully captured with beautiful acrylic colors on canvas. I practice an intuitive style of painting. As well as being an artist, I am a poet, author, teacher, wife, mother, and founder of Saval Seva Trust. I have self-published four books on spirituality and self-help. Please view my work at http://www.savalsevatrust.org.

In October and November 2019 Nina Bertolino will exhibit her work. Her paintings range from abstract to impressionistic. She has a bachelor’s from Sarah Lawrence and a master’s in art education from the College of New Rochelle. She worked at a silkscreen atelier. She paints in oils, acrylics, gouache, and watercolor. She also enjoys working in pastels and creating mixed media pieces and collages. She facilitates two art groups for acrylics/pastels and watercolors in North Salem. She loves to use bold colors in her artwork and often sees colors in things that others don’t. She loves to create and share her love of art with others.

In December 2019 Laura Gould will exhibit paintings and drawings including those from her students who study and practice their skills with Laura. The subjects chosen for the drawings and paintings are from the surrounding parks and the natural world. On view are paintings and drawings in graphite, color pencil, and watercolor. The appreciation for plants and the natural world is the thread that binds the students and teachers in their practice of this beautiful art.

Exhibits in 2020

In January 2020, Salwan and Ban Nouri will exhibit their work. They have been residents of North Salem for over 20 years and have exhibited their work in a variety of places. Salwan acquired his artistic technique, skills, and much of his inspiration when he studied in India. Ban looks for inspiration for her art through multiple channels including family members, past arts, and ideas stemming from her imagination. Her oil paintings are a take on classic contemporary styles depicting scenarios of women in different eras in various themes.

In February 2020, The children at the North Salem Nursery School will exhibit their work. Family members, pets, favorite toys, superheroes, gardens, and homes, insects, and dinosaurs are just some of the subjects that populate the imaginations of preschool children. Their colorful renderings are freely creative and evocative. Each has a story behind it; each brings a smile to one’s face. As a group, they are simply delightful. 

In October 2020, Cathy Morris, a local photographer will exhibit her photos of Peach Lake. It is paired with the display cases that house postcards from the Vail and Myer families from 1900 – 1950. Cathy has taken photos of the same places now.

In November 2020, June Greenspan, a local photographer, will exhibit her photography. She writes of her work: “The imagery is painstakingly created with layered software that took years to master. I paint with photographs that I change when needed. I still consider myself a photographer. I’m an artist of the digital age but I have a longing to translate my imagery in more traditional styles; as though crafted from an earlier age.”

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