MPL’s Gallery Space

The Library Director, as designee of the Library Board of Trustees, has authority for approving the use of exhibit space.  Application for exhibit space is made to the Library Director or designee, who will first determine if the exhibit space is available when the artist wishes to exhibit.  Exhibits are scheduled for not more than a month. A separate application for a reception can be made through the library’s room reservation procedures.

Library use of display areas takes precedence over any other use and the Library reserves the right, without notice, to cancel the use of the display area by exhibits if the Director determines that the display space is needed for Library purposes.

Selection Criteria

Exhibits should reflect the library’s role as an educational and cultural institution presenting a balanced program of exhibits in all suitable media. In determining appropriateness of their exhibits, artists must recognize that library audiences include all ages, levels of sophistication, religious backgrounds and personal tastes. The Library recognizes that the contents of an exhibit may offend some library users. Exhibits are selected based on quality of work and appropriateness for display in a public space.  The Library uses the following standards to select exhibits:

• • Support community cultural and artistic activities
  • Nourish intellectual, aesthetic and creative growth
  • Encourage contributions to the increase of knowledge or extension of the arts
  • Broaden horizons by presenting a range of arts, collections and displays
  • Reach non-traditional library patrons.

Acceptability of an exhibit is at the sole discretion of the Library Director whose decisions may be appealed to the Library Board of Trustees by submitting a written appeal to the Board within 7 days.  In exercising such discretion, considerations will include artistic merit, degree of general public interest in the subject matter and medium/media of an exhibit, and importance of the exhibit as a record or reflection of the times or of the community. The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend these regulations at any time. The Library Director may deny or cancel any reservation for display space and may waive any display policy.

Responsibility for Use

The Library is not responsible for the theft or damage to items on exhibit, nor does it provide insurance to protect them.  Insurance is the sole responsibility of the exhibitor.   Exhibitors must sign the Art Display request form. All exhibit pieces will remain for the duration of the exhibit period. No individual piece may be removed prior to the final day of the exhibit. The Owner agrees to remove the exhibit pieces promptly after the final date of its exhibit.  If the Owner does not remove the Object(s) the next business day after the end of the exhibit, the Library will attempt to contact the Owner using the contact information provided above by the Owner. If the Owner fails to retrieve the Object(s) within five business days after the end of the exhibit, the Owner agrees that the Library may dispose of the Object(s) without restriction and without any payment or restitution to the Owner and without any liability of any kind.

The library may choose to accompany displays with complementing library materials, brochures or other items relating to the exhibit’s theme.

Publicity

Any publicity, signage or written material provided by the artist to accompany an exhibit must be approved by the Library Director, and will then be displayed with the exhibit. The library will handle publicity for the exhibit including but not limited to, write press releases, produce flyers, post an announcement on the library’s website and include information in the library’s newsletter. A personal postcard to view the exhibit or an invitation to a reception is the responsibility of the individual artist. Artists may publicize their exhibits independently of the library but may not use MPL’s logo or imply partnership or endorsement from MPL without approval from the Library Director.

Sales

In return for the opportunity to exhibit at the library, MPL requests a donation of 20% for any artwork sold that was included in the exhibit. The artist must provide contact information to the library for any sales inquiries. The artist will handle all sales and pay the library the 20% donation for all sales at the close of the exhibit. Works that are not available for purchase must be clearly designated “NFS” (Not For Sale).    Works sold must remain on exhibit throughout the designated period.

All sales are the artist responsibility. The library will not hold cash or checks made payable to the artist for works sold during the time of the exhibit. The artist will label an item sold if payment is received. The artist will give the library either cash or check for any donation on any items sold during the exhibit at the time the exhibit is taken down.

Art Display Policy updated 4/2018