Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery Exhibit & Display Policy
The Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery is a collaborative partnership among the Urbandale Public Library, the Urbandale Public Library Foundation, and the Urbandale Public Art Committee. The mission of this partnership is to encourage and facilitate public art of high aesthetic quality that celebrates the uniqueness of Urbandale, enhances the quality of life, makes art more accessible to the general public, and provides diverse resources for life-long learning and enjoyment.
Proposals
Artists and art organizations are encouraged to apply to exhibit in the Library Gallery. Owners of artwork with local community interest or historical significance are also encouraged to apply. Proposals will be considered by the Gallery Committee. All proposals must follow the procedures established by the Committee. Applications for exhibit are accepted throughout the year and are juried once a year in the fall.
Exhibition Selection
The Library Art Gallery Committee is responsible for the selection of Gallery Exhibitions. The Gallery Committee endorses appropriate exhibits with the goal of creating a historical, cultural, and educational environment within the Urbandale Library. Artists and art organizations, from amateur to professional, are invited to exhibit. The Gallery will focus primarily on two-dimensional works. Special consideration will be given to works of art produced by local artists.
In selecting exhibits, the Gallery Committee will take into consideration,
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Quality of artwork
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Overall community interest
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Historical prominence or significance of the artist or art organization
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Dates of previous Library Gallery exhibits by the same artist, lender, or organizations
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Dates of previous Library Gallery exhibitions of similar topics
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Special needs, costs, or requests associated with proposed exhibits
The Committee retains the right to determine the suitability of any proposed exhibition to be included in the Library’s exhibition program. The Library reserves the right to reject any part of an exhibition or to change the manner of display.
Exhibition Presentation, Installation, & Dismantling
Artists are encouraged to visit the Gallery prior to the installation of their display. Two-dimensional artwork must be wired for hanging, and plastic-coated gallery wire is recommended. Saw tooth hangers do not work with our hanging system. Please frame artwork or finish the edges of canvas and ensure the gallery-quality of all displays. The Gallery does have mobile glass display cases that can be used for three-dimensional work. The artist/lender of three-dimensional works of art must provide pedestals or platforms as needed to display art attractively and securely in the glass cases. The art gallery committee reserves the right to refuse artwork that isn’t finished or displayed in a quality manner.
Typical exhibits will run four to six weeks. The Gallery Committee shall supervise the set-up and removal of all exhibits. All works of art must remain on display until the closing of the exhibition. Any costs associated with special installation or display needs must be pre-approved by the Gallery Committee and borne by the artist/lender. Receptions for an exhibit are optional and should be cleared by the Gallery Committee. All receptions will be subject to Gallery Reception Policy and Urbandale Public Library Meeting Room Policy guidelines. Artists are responsible for repairing damage to the Gallery during the installation, exhibition, and removal of the exhibits.
Artists/lenders must remove the artwork from the Library no later than two days after the end of the exhibit unless the artist/lender has made written arrangements with the Gallery Committee prior to the exhibit.
Sales
All sales are the responsibility of the artist /lender. Artists/lenders should provide the Gallery Committee with a resume or artist’s statement, which includes their contact information, no larger than 8 ½” by 11”. The Gallery Committee will display this information along with a list of the artwork and prices in the gallery information center. The Gallery will provide cards to identify each piece with the title and artist's name. Artists can provide cards or brochures about their work for the information center on file or display as the Committee deems appropriate.
Sales and sales status inquiries will be referred to the artist. The Gallery requests that the artist give the library a 10% donation of all sales.
All works of art must remain on display at the Gallery, even if sold, until the exhibit closes. Sold artwork will be marked with a red dot.
Security/ Liability
The Library and Gallery Committee cannot be responsible for reimbursement or replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged items and does not insure exhibits. The Library encourages the artist/lender to obtain a rider on his or her insurance policy for the duration of the exhibit. The artists/ lenders will be required to complete and sign a waiver/ release of Library liability before any works of art are exhibited.
The Art Gallery is open to the general public. The Gallery is monitored by secured cameras; however the area is not monitored by staff.
Publicity
The Library and Gallery Committee will promote the Art Gallery through community calendars, our website, newsletters, and print materials distributed in the gallery. Artists will provide the gallery committee photos of their work and grant permission for the gallery committee and library to display images of their work for promotional purposes. Artists are encouraged to advertise their exhibit in their own ways and venues.
