Third Artist of 2026 begins Residency at Westfield Memorial Library

The Westfield Memorial Library and the Westfield Art Association are pleased to announce that the third Artist-in-Residence of 2026 and the library's seventh artist has just begun his residency at the library. The Artist-in-Residence program brings Westfield's talented local artists to the library for the entire community to enjoy through talks, hands-on workshops, studio sessions and exhibitions.

Lamont Draper, Jr. is a graphic artist and illustrator based out of Union County. A 2006 graduate with honors from Linden High School, Mr. Draper decided to pursue the intimate career path of fine arts and illustration by attending such institutions as Union County College.

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He continued to follow his passions for the arts with his involvement in the fashion industry - working with brands such as Stylus Apparel, Kill Brand LA. His artwork has been seen on platforms such as Hypebeast, High Snobiety and XXL. Over the last several years, Mr. Draper has participated heavily in Newark Arts by way of RyArMo Photography Studios, Yendor LLC and now STEAM Urban. His work can be seen on halfpastfull.com, @halfpastfull, and his artwork is exhibited in the hallway opposite the library's Meeting Room and around the library until the end of September.

Mr. Darrin Owens, President of the Westfield Art Association said, "We are so happy to see our artists share their passion and creativity with the patrons of the library. So far this year, William Palm and Shen Rosen brought their very different styles and mediums to the library and prepared art at the table right as you walk into the library. They both met so many wonderful people and had such meaningful interactions.

"Art can bring people together and help them share a moment. This is often too rare in our fast-paced society. I know Lamont Draper, Jr., will bring his energy to the workshops he will teach and during his residency days at the library. He is such a gifted artist, and people are going to love his sketchbooks."

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Mr. Draper holds studio sessions for the public to attend. On Tuesdays he holds Live Sketching demonstrations - Pen Sketching, Pencil Sketching, Cross Hatching Techniques- and on Thursdays he holds live Digital Drawing demonstration – Procreate Illustrations.

In the sketching demonstration, he goes over shapes, lines, circles, squares and figures and how sketchers can use these to create people, faces, shapes, and things. Cross hatching, line weight and different sketching techniques will also be discussed. Mr. Draper encourages people to join in with a sketchbook or their iPad.

During the digital demonstrations, the artist will demonstrate how he processes his digital pieces. He'll discuss layer techniques, blend modes and how to use them, as well as tips and tricks on brush customization. Mr. Draper said, "One of the hardest things I had to learn as an illustrator was Layer Management. I can't tell you how many times I'd lose myself on a layer that would completely alter the entire flow of the piece."

On Saturday, August 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm., the artist will offer an adult art class that focuses on Sketching Illustrations, and on Saturday, September 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., he will teach Color Theory in Illustration and Paintings. Seating is limited to 12 in both classes and requires registration at www.wmlnj.org.

Associate Director Liz Kennedy said, "We welcome Lamont Draper as the third artist of the 2026 Artist in Residence cohort. Our partnership with the Westfield Art Association allows us to host talented local artists who not only want to showcase their artwork but also connect with the community through workshops and in- library studio sessions.

"We aim to increase access to artistic technique and expression by inviting patrons to experience Lamont's creative process. We encourage everyone to stop by and visit him during our studio sessions and to sign up for his classes."

The Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.

The Westfield Art Association is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1922 that provides public art education and public exhibitions with work from its member artists.

Visit the library's website at https://wmlnj.org/ to register for the events, sign up for a library card, or learn more about library programs and resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street and hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.