HPL - Visit Us at Houston Public Library

There are currently no posts in this blog.

Back to HPL Exhibits

Subjects

Past Exhibits

On View Now

Upcoming Exhibits

Clear Filters

Recent Posts

The Library as an Art Center: Celebrating 120 Years of Art at Houston Public Library

Detail from Stella Sullivan, Reflections in a Glass Door, 1967, oil on canvas. Houston Public Library, City of Houston Civic Art Collection. Photograph by Earlie Hudnall, Jr. August 24 - October 8, 2024The Julia Ideson Building | Exhibit Hall “A public library has a greater opportunity of fulfilling the purpose to which it is dedicated, namely, that of enriching the higher life of the community, if it has in addition to a generous supply of inspiring and helpful books, some objects representing other lines of artistic development, examples of those works of art, which, together with books, have ever been a source of joy and inspiration to the soul of man.”“The Library as an Art Center,” The Houston Post, August 2, 1908 On March 2, 1904, the Houston Lyceum and Carnegie Library opened at the corner of Travis Street and McKinney Avenue. Within three years, over 10,000 Houstonians owned a library card. Shortly after opening its doors, the library began to acquire pieces for its permanent art collection and became a venue for temporary exhibits.In 120 years, Houston Public Library (HPL) has grown from one location to over 40 locations. The Library as an Art Center: Celebrating 120 Years of Art at Houston Public Library is a rare opportunity to view selected works from HPL's permanent art collection in one location. This exhibition also covers the history of HPL's long-standing commitment to providing free art exhibits to Houston residents and visitors. We hope you enjoy The Library as an Art Center and continue to visit us to see what we have in store for the next 120 years.Featured artists include Charles Baugh, John Biggers, Mary Anita Bonner, Lee Bontecou, Emma Richardson Cherry, Marian Ford, Frank Freed, David Hickman, Dorothy Hood, Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Grace Spaulding John, Sven Lukin, Leila McConnell, Claes Oldenburg, Charles Pebworth, Edward Muegge (Buck) Schiwetz, Mary Ellen Shipnes, Anna Francis Simpson for Newcomb College Pottery, Bernard Sleigh, Stella Sullivan, Trudy Sween, Ruth Pershing Uhler, Van Briggle Pottery, and Sidney Van Ulm. EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONSE. Richardson Cherry Papers (MSS 0027)Emma Richardson Cherry resided in Houston between the years of 1892 and 1954. Her works, primarily created in oil or watercolor, depicted landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. She was perhaps the city's best-kown artist for half a century. This collection of correspondence, notes, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia detail her family's history, her own travels and artistic achievements as well as her role in the founding of what has become the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Houston Public Library Records (RG A 0013)The Houston Public Library Collection contains records of the institution's history and activities. Included are reports, photographs, internal and external correspondence, budgets, publicity, scrapbooks, branch building construction documents, brochures, borrower's registries, strategic plans, agendas and meeting minutes. Also included are documents relating to partnership initiatives, contracts and purchase orders, and technology additions and upgrades to the library system. SUGGESTED READINGCamfield, William A., More Than a Constructive Hobby: The Paintings of Frank FreedEdwards, Katie Robinson, Midcentury Modern Art in TexasKeightley, Patricia John, Grace Spaulding John, Artist, 1890-1972McEvilley, Thomas, Bert Long: The Artist's JourneyTheisen, Ollie Jensen, Walls That Speak: The Murals of John Thomas BiggersWardlaw, Alvia J., The Art of John Biggers: View From the Upper Room Emma Richardson Cherry (1859-1954): Houston's First Modern Artist, previously on view February 1 - May 4, 2013Planned, Organized and Established: Houston Artist Cooperatives in the 1930s, previously on view August 12 - November 9, 2017South and North of the Border: Houston Paints Mexico, previously on view August 25 - November 10, 2018Texas Modernism(s): Houston/Dallas in the 1930s, previously on view August 27 - November 5, 2022 This exhibition is generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation ...

Straight Flexin', No Plexin': A Hip Hop Exhibit

Lester Roy, Blindside, Chamillionaire, Archie Lee, Paul Wall, Michael "5000" Watts, Lil Ron, and Le Marcus. Image courtesy of Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University. | Big Pokey, Paul Wall, and Big Hawk at the Sittin' Sideways video shoot. Image courtesy of Mike Frost. June 1 - July 25, 2024Vinson Neighborhood Library Once considered a fad by early detractors, hip hop honored its 50th anniversary on August 11, 2023. Promoters, historians, fans, libraries, and media outlets across the United States sponsored celebrations, events, and concerts to pay homage to the art form. However, the global impact of hip hop is undeniable and worthy of celebration beyond this milestone. Straight Flexin’, No Plexin’: A Hip Hop Exhibit, on view at Vinson Neighborhood Library, includes memorabilia, artwork, and photos of hip hop artists and creatives from Houston, Atlanta, New York, and California (Bay Area). The items on display are from the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) Hip Hop Archival Collection, housed at Rice University's Woodson Research Center at Fondren Library, and from private collectors. Although 2023 marked the 50th birthday of hip hop, the growing music genre is still young and has more milestones to reach. This exhibit serves as a reminder that as the culture continues to evolve and influence the world, it will be showcased and celebrated. Yes, yes y’all. SUGGESTED READING AND MEDIAFaniel, Maco L., Hip-Hop in Houston: The Origin and the LegacySerrano, Shea, The Rap Year BookWalker, Lance Scott, DJ Screw: A Life in Slow RevolutionWalker, Lance Scott, Houston Rap Tapes: An Oral History of Bayou City Hip-HopWesthoff, Ben, Dirty South: Outkast, Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-HopWilkins, Langston Collin, Welcome 2 Houston: Hip Hop Heritage in Hustle Town Don't forget that you can check out music! CERCL Archival Collection, Hip Hop Archival Collection Exhibit Director: Dr. Anthony Pinn Curators: Chinara Butler, Corey ‘Co’ Garrett, Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL), Woodson Research Center at Fondren Library Strategic Panel: Dr. Portia Hopkins, Maya Reine, Corey ‘Co’ Garrett Collaborating Organizations: CCM Foundation Special thanks to CERCL Hip Hop Archive members: HaviKoro Crew, Swishahouse, Pimp C, Mike Frost, K-Rino, Scotty ATL, Damon ‘Dame’ Dash, KRS-ONE...

Fashion Fusion VIII: Exquisite Elegance - Art of the Islamic Worlds

Images courtesy of Houston Community CollegeJune 15 - September 5, 2024 Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery Fashion Fusion VIII: Exquisite Elegance - Art of the Islamic Worlds features garments from Fashion Fusion, an annual competition presented by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the award-winning Fashion Design program at Houston Community College. This most recent competition required HCC students and alumni to design original outfits inspired by items and artworks in the Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds at the Museum. The students and alumni entered their designs into one of four representative categories: Motifs and Mosaics, Trinkets and Charms, Sky and Sand, and Metallics and Mirage. RELATED MEDIA This exhibition is in partnership with Houston Community College, Fashion and Costume Design Department and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston...

Hemingway in Comics

Luca Pozza, Production art for Laguna Hemingway pages 58 – 59, 2020; Felt tip pen, watercolor, and ecoline on patinated 350-grain ivory cardboard, 13 x 19 inches (image); Courtesy of Robert K. Elder. June 17 - August 7, 2024The Julia Ideson Building | Exhibit Hall Ernest Hemingway casts a long shadow in literature, reaching beyond his status as a giant of twentieth-century fiction and a Nobel Prize winner—extending even into comic books. Appearing with various icons such as Superman, Mickey Mouse, and Wolverine, Hemingway transcends his reality as a novelist as his persona develops into a pop culture icon.The exhibition Hemingway in Comics provides a unique and entertaining lens for considering one of America’s most influential authors through themes that explore his origin story as well as his legendary iconic personas, both fact and fiction. In several appearances across multiple languages, Hemingway is often portrayed as the hypermasculine legend: bearded, boozed up, and ready to throw a punch. But just as often, comic book writers see past the bravado to the person, grappling with his own demons. Hemingway’s role in these comics ranges from the divine to the ridiculous, as his image is recorded, distorted, lampooned, and whittled down to its core.Exhibition curator Robert K. Elder notes that comic book creators and Hemingway share a natural kinship. The comic book page demands an economy of words, much like Hemingway’s less-is-more “iceberg theory,” only in graphic form. In addition, he turned out to be the perfect avatar for comic book artists wanting to tell history-rich stories, as he experienced beautiful places during the most chaotic times: Paris in the 1920s, Spain during the Spanish Civil War, Cuba on the brink of revolution, France during World War II just after liberation. Elder’s research into Hemingway’s comic presence demonstrates the truly international reach of Hemingway as a pop culture icon.Hemingway in Comics presents a new, more complicated way to look at Hemingway: a man, an artist, and a character that has taken on a life of its own and allows visitors to consider why Hemingway’s image, in particular, is so enduring. However, this exhibition is not only for the dedicated Hemingway fan, it will appeal to all those with an appreciation for comics, pop culture, and the absurd. CONTENT WARNING: Some of the labels and comics in this exhibition make references to suicide, sexual assault, and firearms. SUGGESTED READING AND MEDIAElder, Robert K., Hemingway in Comics Burgess, Anthony, Ernest HemingwayGigliotti, Jim, Who Was Ernest Hemingway?Reynolds, Nicholas E., Writer, Sailor, Soldier, Spy: Ernest Hemingway's Secret Adventures, 1935-1961Sandison, David, Ernest Hemingway: An Illustrated Biography Hemingway, Ernest, The Complete Short Stories of Ernest HemingwayHemingway, Ernest, For Whom the Bell TollsHemingway, Ernest, The Hemingway Stories: As Featured in the Film by Ken Burns and Lynn NovickHemingway, Ernest, A Moveable FeastHemingway, Ernest, The Old Man and the SeaHemingway, Ernest, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and Other StoriesHemingway, Ernest, The Sun Also Rises Amara, Philip, So, You Want to Be a Comic Book Artist?: The Ultimate Guide on How to Break Into Comics!Crilley, Mark, The Comic Book Lesson: A Graphic Novel That Shows You How to Make ComicsRoshell, John, Lettering Comic Books with Illustrator (LinkedIn Learning)Schmidt, Andy, The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels A Program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance with Texas Commission on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.This exhibition is generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public LIbrary Foundation...