Eva G. Farris Reading Room Exhibition Space Policies

Description of the Space
The exhibition space is in the Eva G. Farris Reading Room which houses the popular reading collection. Events, such as readings and receptions, are occasionally held in the space. The display space is primarily wall friendly (a hanging system for framed work and directional lighting are available). The walls are approximately 9'6" high. The 5 walls with the hanging system measure 18', 19', 22', 15', and 7' wide.
Scope of work
Locally and regionally inspired artists, artworks, and or exhibitable concepts are invited from students, faculty, and staff of Northern Kentucky University. In addition, works by local artists not affiliated with the university may be displayed. All media will be considered as will any aspect of art (fine arts, painting, graphic design, etc.). We do not actively encourage sculpture in the Reading Room at present. While we especially encourage works that are related to information or other library related themes, selection will not be limited to these themes.
Submissions
The committee may invite an artist to display their work or artists may apply to the committee. To have your work considered, email the following to the Steely Library Exhibition Space Committee, preferably in a zipped file.
  1. Images of the works to be considered. The images should be in JPG format, 300 dpi, 4"x 6".
  2. Each image should be labeled: last name, image number, title of work.jpg (i.e.: lastname_1_title.jpg, lastname_2_title.jpg, etc.).
  3. A Word formatted document that includes a numbered list of images, a brief description of the works including size, medium, and and estimated value, and, a statement of concept or purpose.
  4. Please include all necessary contact details including name, address, phone, and email. Submissions should be sent to:
    libraryexhibits@nku.edu
    Michael Providenti, Chair
    Steely Library Exhibition Space Committee
    W. Frank Steely Library, SL 520
    Northern Kentucky University
    Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099
Method of Selection
The Exhibition Space Committee will meet, review the submissions, and make recommendations to the Associate Provost for Library Services. The Associate Provost will make the final decision of acceptance.
Selection Criteria
  1. a. The work must be reasonably acceptable to a wide range of library patrons. That is to say, it needs to be appropriate in a public space where a general audience is sometimes present. Some works of art works that are appropriate for the NKU Visual Arts Gallery may not be appropriate in the Eva G. Farris Reading Room.
  2. The work should be of interest to the university community.
  3. The work should be appropriate for the requirements of the physical space. Individuals interested in submitting a proposal are welcome to visit and look at the space.
Calendar of Events
The Exhibition Space Committee will establish an annual schedule. Generally, there will be three (3) exhibits per year, two (2) of which will last roughly three (3) months each, corresponding with fall, spring, and summer semesters, minus the time needed for removing and installing exhibits, though exceptions may be made for special events. The third exhibit, currently the annual Social Justice Art/Writing Contest, will occur in the last five (5) weeks of the spring semester and continue through the summer. Submissions will be accepted year round, but if the calendar is full, consideration will occur in the fall. When there are gaps in the schedule, submissions will be considered on an ad hoc basis.
Exhibit 1: late September - December
Exhibit 2: January - mid April
Exhibit 3 (Social Justice Writing/Art Contest): mid April - early September
Insurance and Security
In order for items on exhibit to be insured, a detailed list of the works, including appraised values, needs to be submitted to the Office of the Associate Provost for Library Services. This information should also be included in the Word document submitted to the committee. The details and extent of the insurance coverage will be addressed by the Associate Provost's office. There are no security guards or docents assigned to the Eva G. Farris Reading Room. However, the space is monitored with security cameras.
Information to be Present with the Art Works
If an entire exhibit is dedicated to the work of a single artist or the work of a class, a statement of purpose should be presented to the Exhibition Space Committee with the submission package. That statement, or an edited version of it, will be displayed in the exhibit. Each individual piece should have a label which will include the following information: artist's name, title of piece, date completed, any notes concerning the media, and, if warranted or desired, a brief description or explanation.
Wall Mounting and the Hanging System
All work to be hung on the walls of the Eva G. Farris reading Room must be mounted or framed in such a way to accomodate the rail hanging system. Nails and screws are not permitted in the walls. The system in place is the Arakawa CRJ1800-a which has a weight limitation of 65 pounds per each six foot section. More information on the hanging system can be found here on the Arakawa web site.
Exhibition Installation and Take-down:
Works selected for the Eva G. Farris Reading Room should not require a modification of the space nor should there be an expectation that the display should damage the walls, floors, etc,. Repairs should not be necessary once the exhibit has been removed. When an exhibit has been approved, a date and time needs to be agreed upon for installation and take-down so that assistance can be provided with the hanging system, lifting items, and adjusting the lights.
Sale of Artwork
Steely Library will retain a twenty percent (20%) commission on all sales; price work accordingly. A discreet, typed list of artworks with prices must accompany the exhibition if sales are desired by the artist. Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the Associate Provost for Library Services, not the Steely Library Exhibition Space Committee.
Receptions:
Small receptions, including light refreshments, can be arranged for exhibit openings. The details will be arranged once an exhibit has been accepted for display in the space.
Contract:
All exhibition submissions selected for actual exhibition will be required to sign and return a contract agreeing to the schedule of the exhibition, including installation, take-down and final removal of artwork. Artworks will not be stored by the gallery after the close of an exhibition. Any artwork not collected by the agreed upon schedule, without approval, will become the property of Northern Kentucky University's private art collection.
Exceptions
Any exceptions to the polices outlined above can be considered with the final decision residing with the Associate Provost for Library Services.
Steely Library Exhibition Space Committee Members:
  • Ana England
  • Julie Mader-Meersman
  • Sheri Myers
  • Tyler Opichka
  • Michael Providenti (Chair)
  • Jennifer Smith