Art Exhibit Policy

To fulfill its mission to meet the cultural and intellectual needs of Greenfield citizens, the Greenfield Public Library allows use of dedicated exhibition spaces, by individuals and groups, for civic, educational, cultural, and philanthropic purposes.
The volunteer Art Committee of the Greenfield Public Library meets regularly to select community exhibitions it deems to be of interest to the community, and to coordinate the exhibits.

Space
Exhibit space is located on the first floor of the library. Exhibit space will be granted, as space allows, on an equitable basis to qualified individuals or groups, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations, provided the content of the display is within the broad standards of community acceptability. While a preference is given to artists residing in Franklin County, all artists are encouraged to apply.

Hanging Displays
Works must be prepared to hang on a cable hanging system. Framed pieces must have D-rings or screw eyes. Artwork that is not intended to be framed must include a hanging solution with the application. No clip frames.
Artists are responsible for hanging their work and for creating labels for their art, if desired. Placement of labels, as well as other informational items, must be pre-approved by the art committee. It is suggested that the artist survey the space prior to exhibiting if the number of pieces to display is in question. The total wall space of the three exhibition rooms are (view Floorplans at end of document).:

1. Conference room
2. Meeting room
3. Childrens room

While an artist may express interest in hanging their works in a particular room, the art committee reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the exhibit room assignment.

The gallery floor must remain wheelchair accessible.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their request including the following information:

• Artist Statement/cover letter (300 words maximum)
• Resume and/or artist bio
• Artwork images
  • Digital jpegs OR
  • Photographs printed on 8 ½ x 11 paper, image size no smaller than 5 x 7 and only two images per page
  • If the images shared are not the actual artwork that will be exhibited but are examples of the work intended to produce, final exhibition pieces must be presented to the art committee at least two months prior to the exhibition installation date.
• Corresponding list of artwork with medium and dimensions
• Website/social media for artwork (if applicable)
• Proposed hang of the artwork if unframed

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted each year between January 1st and February 28th and are reviewed in March for exhibitions during the fiscal calendar year (July1 to June 30). All applicants will be notified of the status of their application during the month of May. When cancellations occur, an existing applicant will be chosen to fill the spot.

Applications are available online or at the Library’s Circulation Desk.

Selection
The Art Committee will exercise judgment as to current usefulness or interest. Exhibitors should be aware that the library is a public space where all people are welcome. Exhibits should be suitable for viewing by all ages. The Art Committee reserves the right to refuse or remove any material judged unsuitable, or to rescind an exhibit in violation of this policy. Acceptability of a display is at the discretion of the Art Committee in collaboration with the Board of Library Trustees.

Frequency of Artist Exhibitions
As there is a high demand for exhibit space, artists may exhibit only once in a twenty-four-month period.

Duration
The duration of most exhibits will be two months.

Installation/Dismantling
Exhibitors will set up and remove their own exhibits at a mutually scheduled time, however, a member of the volunteer Art Committee will be available for guidance during the installation process. Installation must be completed during regular Library hours. Library staff are not available to assist the exhibitor. Artworks should be framed with wire for hanging, in stable condition and should not require extraordinary procedures or equipment for maintenance or display. No additional hooks, nails, or other fasteners can be attached to the walls of the Library, and nothing may be glued, taped or fastened directly to the walls or building. It is the responsibility of the artist(s) to label their artwork. A final review by the volunteer Art Committee will occur the day of the installation to review the appropriateness of the artwork. Any work deemed incompatible with the policy will be removed.

Opening Reception
Exhibitors may reserve the Library's meeting room space for a reception. Use of the Meeting Room requires a separate application and is subject to the guidelines outlined in the Library's Meeting Room policy. Invitations are the exhibitor's responsibility.

Publicity
Press releases are the responsibility of the exhibitor. Library staff may not act as agents for any exhibitor. Flyers are the exhibitor's responsibility.

Sales
The Library does not act as a sales agent for the artist, and will not engage in selling or negotiating for the sale of artwork. It will, however, allow pamphlets, price lists and/or a citation in the exhibit giving contact information. Patrons interested in purchasing art should contact the artist directly for prices and availability. No sales may be conducted on Library property. While there is no charge for the use of the exhibition space, if works are sold, the library suggests a donation of 15% of the proceeds be made to the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library. Donations will be used to sponsor library programs.

Disclaimers
Presentation of an exhibit does not imply an endorsement of the opinions or viewpoints of the exhibitor by the Greenfield Public Library Staff or Board of Trustees or the City of Greenfield. The Library reserves the right to refuse to exhibit and display materials it deems unsuitable, or those materials that do not support its mission. Neither the Library Board of Trustees nor the City of Greenfield will be held responsible for any damage, loss, disappearance or theft of any artwork, exhibit item or other part of an exhibit. The Library does not insure any exhibits and all work is displayed at the exhibitor's risk. A Release form must be signed by the exhibitor prior to installation of the exhibition.

EXHIBITION SPACE FLOORPLANS
COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM


CONFERENCE ROOM


CHILDREN’S ROOM

The hanging artwork in this room is by special arrangement (as artwork needs to be age and audience appropriate).

The Greenfield Public Library Exhibit Application & Agreement Form
This application can be completed online or printed and submitted to the Greenfield Public Library.