Call for Artists for Shaker Library's 21st Annual Art Competition

Shaker Library invites artists to enter its 21st Annual Barbara Luton Art Competition. Twenty-one years ago, with seed money from Friends of the Shaker Library and to honor former Library Director, the late Barbara Luton, on her retirement, the Library established an art fund for a juried art competition. Now in its 21st year, the contest is a way for artists to enter their work, have it reviewed by art judges, and receive affirmation and sometimes monetary prizes.

The annual art competition showcases noteworthy, local, emerging artists, and, is a way for the Library to engage the local artist community while also honoring Barbara Luton, Shaker Library Director from 1975-1994, who oversaw the renovation of the former Moreland School into the Main Library, which opened in September 1993.

Participating in any art competition takes courage. It is an act of faith for an artist to put his or her artwork in the public eye for review, but the rewards can be immeasurable. One piece is chosen as Best of Show and is purchased by the Library for a fee not to exceed $1,000. Also, there are cash prizes for first, second, and third places.

Artists interested in entering the contest can download an application from the Library website or pick up an application at the Library Reference desks. Art will be accepted at Shaker Library (located at 16500 Van Aken Boulevard) on Friday, March 6 from 3-5 pm and Saturday, March 7 from noon to 4 pm.

Artists must be at least 18 years of age and all artwork must be two-dimensional, appropriately framed, and ready for hanging. Also, artists agree to donate a small percentage of the sale of their art to the Library Endowment Fund. For more information, read about the 2019 contest winners.

Shaker Library looks forward to celebrating its twenty-first year of local art with the community.