The art exhibits for January contribute to the celebration of trains and include oil paintings and photos. The artists include a retired railroad operations worker and a lifelong train enthusiast.
Along with the exhibits, a Railroad Slideshow Program for adults on Tuesday, January 14 at 6 p.m. and a Model Railroad Display for all ages on Saturday, January 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. will be held at the library in partnership with the Wis-Ill Modular Model Railroad Group.
Art is available for viewing during regular library hours and can be found throughout the building including our new art space that we call the Gallery and is just past the atrium as you walk toward the skylight. Viewers are encouraged to leave written comments for the artists in the binder located in the Fireplace Room.
Thank you to Den's wife Judy, Bob, and the WIS-ILL Modular Model Railroad Group for displaying their artwork and collections at HPL. Special thanks to Teresa Nguyen and JATV Media Services for the interviews that let us learn more about each of the artists and their inspirations.
Want to exhibit at HPL?
The library schedules exhibits and displays of interest, information, and enlightenment to the community throughout the year. Interested in becoming a featured artist? Click here to learn more.
See our full calendar of upcoming exhibits and displays here.
Photography by Den Adler (in memoriam)
GALLERY & RIVER WALL
It was a big loss for Den's family, friends, and our community when Den passed in May of 2022. We are grateful to Den's wife, Judy, for sharing his train photos in the exhibit this month.
Den was an avid fan of trains and found much pleasure in photographing them. He also loved to ride on trains and went on several trips either alone or with Judy and their son, Eric. He became interested in photography at a young age and was influenced by other photographers' work. He also like to photograph images from nature as he loved being outdoors. You can watch the Meet the Artist interview with Den's wife, Judy, here.
Paintings by Robert Witzack
GALLERY & FIREPLACE ROOM
Bob has painted for years for his own pleasure. The train theme was the result of almost 30 years of working in railroad operations, however, Bob's inspiration for his painting of the Polar Express came after reading the book of the same name while briefly working as a teacher. Many of his paintings will draw the viewer in so that they can almost hear the train whistle and the roaring of the engine. Learn more about Bob and his artwork in his Meet the Artist interview.
Model Trains by WIS-ILL Modular Model Train Group
FIREPLACE ROOM CASE
The WIS-ILL Modular Model Railroad Group has been partnering with Hedberg Public Library for more than 25 years. Many children, families, and adults have enjoyed watching the model trains go around the tracks and asking the group members questions about their collections and about building their scenes. WIS-ILL is a small group of train enthusiasts who are looking for new members to help keep the love of trains and model trains rolling along into the future. If you are interested in more information, you can contact them at wisillrr@yahoo.com.