The current art show at the San Juan Island Public Library is titled Of Ancestors and Descendants and will be on exhibit for staff, volunteers and visitors until January 10, 2026. The theme includes art depicting memories of beloved ancestors and ways of honoring them.
One ink drawing is of Betty Reid Soskin, now 104, the oldest, active US National Park Ranger at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Park, Richmond California. Betty is of Cajun-Creole descent and her grandmother was born a slave. The artist commemorating her is S.D. Evans.
Another unique art piece is Stella’s Ofrenda by Megs Maurillo. The multi-media art will be hanging over the upcoming Dia de los Muertos. It is filled with beautiful and traditional symbols and imagery with every detail representing something significant and special about Meg’s loved one.
Much of the art was created by an ancestor or to honor one. Several reflect the sense of humor of the artists-some guaranteed to tease your brain or bring a smile.
The library rooms are typically filled with art rendered in oil painting, textiles, photography, pencils, acrylic paint, cut paper and watercolor. The art displayed showcase the broad range of talent on our island.
The shows are open to the public and all talent levels are welcome. The Library Art Committee hangs five shows a year with themes varying from Life with Animals & Pets, Bridges, Barns & Buildings, Art Quilts, Found Art, to In the Style of Great Artists. Participants bring their ready-to-hang art in from 10-noon on the designated Saturdays. Cards with the themes and dates are available at the computer table.
The next hanging in January will exhibit selected pieces from our Permanent Collection.
Library staff can answer any questions you have at 360.378.2798 or sjlib@sjlib.org. Library programs and cards are free of charge to San Juan Island residents. In addition to its collections of books, videos, equipment, games, audiobooks, and other materials to loan, the library also provides public access computers, WiFi, and a suite of databases that patrons can access in the library or at home.
Library hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am to 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays 12 pm to 3 pm.