Art designs sought for desks in new Jackson County Library complex

by Jan 22, 2010NEWS ka-no-he-da0 comments

SUBMITTED By JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

 The Jackson County Public Library and the Friends of the Jackson County Main Library are inviting local artists to submit art designs for the Circulation Desk, Children’s Desk and Reference Desk in the new Jackson County Public Library Complex. 

Dottie Brunette, Jackson County Librarian, says, “The dream of our new Jackson County Public Library is emerging right before our eyes. As we embrace this bright future of the library and of our historic courthouse, we desire to include the contributions of our creative Western North Carolina citizens. The very fabric of our community supports the talents of our local artists and crafts people.  We want and need the work of our local artists present in the new library complex.” 

All media will be considered including metal, glass, inlay, paint, tile, intarsia, and other media.  The art will appear on the front and sides of the desks.  Certain parameters need to be recognized such as durability, safety, and, of course, design and beauty.  The time frame for project creation and information about technical needs for installation must be included in the proposals. 

All proposals and artist renderings must be submitted to the Jackson County Public Library by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15.  A select committee will review the proposals within the following two weeks.  The winning designs will be announced by Mar. 1.  All artists will be notified at that time.  Donnie Love, project architect, will create detailed shop drawings incorporating the design concepts. The selected artists will coordinate with the millwork contractor during the construction of the desks.

By early April information about requests for proposals for the millwork on the Circulation Desk, Children’s Desk and Reference Desk will be announced.  Millwork on these desks will need to begin in the spring for installation in late summer or early fall, depending on the contractor’s time frame.

Mary Selzer, co-chair of the Capital Campaign comments, “The new library complex will be an incredible venue for visitors and community members interested in the rich historical culture and art of Jackson County.  We look forward to receiving numerous proposals in various mediums, three of which will be showcased in some of the most visible areas in the complex.”

The architectural desk plans which contain the dimensions of the desks are available as a pdf file and hard copies at the Jackson County Public Library, 755 West Main Street, Sylva.  Those interested in submitting a proposal may contact Michelle Allison at the library, 828/586-2016, or via email – mallison@fontanalib.org to have the pdf file sent electronically or to ask any questions.