Hunt Library presents ‘Slate of the Art 2020’

FALLS VILLAGE — In March, the David M. Hunt Library was to open the group exhibition, “Slate of the Art 2020.” Over 100 pieces, all using original roof slates from the Library’s 1891 construction, were installed on the library’s ArtWall.

But then the world changed with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic. The reception was cancelled, and the library was closed.

Now, three months later, the Hunt Library has reopened, and the public can finally get a chance to see the exhibition. The library will not hold art receptions or other public events until further notice, so visitors are encouraged to come and see the art during operating hours. It will be on display through Saturday, Aug. 29. For those who prefer to see the art in the comfort of their homes, the library has launched the ArtWall to Go! web page featuring all the works on exhibit with the ability to reserve works for purchase. See it at www.huntlibrary.org/art-wall

According to a statement, “The concept for Slate of the Art is simple. Today we learn primarily through the technology of phones, tablets, and computers. When the Hunt Library opened in the late nineteenth century, it included a school and its students used slates for their math and English studies. The proposition to the artists in Slate of the Art was to convey a message in pictures, words, or emoji, but the slate replaces the phone.”

Participants include art instructor Chris Hanley’s art students from the Lee H. Kellogg School in grades 5-8.

The students had a private reception the day before the library closed and saw their works installed alongside those by dozens of prominent local artists including Danielle Mailer, Ken Musselman, Lori Barker, Robert Cronin, Serena Weld Granbery, Sarah Martinez, Robert Andrew Parker, and the late Lillian Lovitt. A portion of each sale benefits the library; student work is not for sale.

Contributed photos The David M. Hunt Library’s art show, which has been on hold since March, is open and runs through the end of August. Above, a piece by Lori Barker.

The David M. Hunt Library’s art show includes works by students of the Lee Kellogg School.