Mark Twain Library Opens Its Doors for the Annual Art Show

Looking to relive the roaring ‘20’s this holiday season? Take a step back to Paris 1925, imagine yourself at the World’s Fair and escape to the Mark Twain Library’s Annual Art Show, celebrating Art Deco.

Local artists from across the area have submitted their works for consideration for the Mark Twain Library’s Art Show. The annual juried art show draws in attendees from across the tri-state area and the library is now preparing for the week long series of events.

“Every patron that walks into the library has the opportunity to view the art, so it ends up being over 1000 people easily,” shared Angela Matsouka who is one of several volunteers in charge of the art show.

The art show launches December 2nd with the Champagne Preview Gala. “It is a special night in Redding. Not only does it kick off the Art Show, it is a evening for many that kick off the Holiday season. The "first" party of the season so to speak,” said Matsouka of the special event.

Hosted at the library, the event draws in over 400 attendees including artists, patrons and sponsors. “People can expect to get the first chance to purchase the art, mingle with friends, enjoy great food provided by Ciao Catering, beverages sponsored by Meadow Ridge Retirement Community and provided by Ancona's liquor. Upstairs in the Mark Twain room there is a silent auction and live music,” said Matsouka.

The theme this year is Art Deco. Inspired by the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the 1925 World’s Fair that launched this style of design. It’s a style of design that represented modernism, anti traditional elegance and sophistication.

“All artists donate 35% of the sale price of their work to the library. The Art Show is one of 5 fundraisers that contribute to the bottom line of the Library operating budget. This is everything from general operating costs, to adult and children's programming,” shared Matsouka.

The first art show was founded over 44 years ago as a small town art show and has grown to over 100 artists. “The dedication of the volunteers that help make the art show possible year after year is always a good thing to mention. We have some amazing dedicated folks,” said Matsouka.

“There is a little bit of something for everyone. We have some great programs this year,” shared Matsouka. The Mark Twain Library puts on a series of events over the course of the week following the Champagne Preview Gala.

“We try to do a variety of programming during the show to appeal to many different people,” said Matsouka. She shared one unique offering that might be of interest is hosted this year at Weir Farm, “You might have someone that is very interested in National Historic sites such as Weir Farm or someone that loves art attend this program. From our insider's perspective we just love to get people into the library.”

There are a series of programs hosted at the library celebrating the Annual Art Show following the Champagne Gala. For more about the art show, to buy tickets to the gala or to attend one of the events, visit http://www.marktwainlibrary.org/ArtShow/index.html.