Novel Marriage — Art and Books at El Cerrito Library

When Charlotte Britton, a member of both the and the , heard that the county library system was having a summer reading program called “Novel Destinations,” she got an idea. Why not have a show featuring artwork in some way tied to books?

If you visit the El Cerrito library by Aug. 26, you’ll see the result of her inspiration — “Novel Destinations: An exhibit of artwork related to novels of destinations or journeys.” 

The artwork is on display in the meeting room at the back of the library as well as in the display case by the front entrance, near the fireplace, and on a wall above a bank of computers.

“The whole idea is to tie in different community groups and make them aware of each other,” explained Britton Saturday at a reception for the artists. “Plus, it’s a fun idea.”

Next to each artwork is a card with the artist’s name and contact information, the title of the work, medium, and the associated book.

The strength of the tie between literature and visual arts was left up to the artist. Britton was actually thinking about a book she had read,  Stephanie Barron's, The White Garden: A Novel of Virginia Woolf, when she created her contribution to the show, a watercolor called "Narcissus.”

Several examples of the art can be seen in the accompanying photographs.

A sign about the exhibit at the library explains:

If you’re interested in purchasing one of the artworks, please contact the artist at the phone number or email address listed on the card.

If you’re interested in reading the novel, please contact the librarian at the front desk.