This month's exhibit will feature works by Maine artist, Larry Clifford! Head to the Hoxie Gallery from 1-3 pm Saturday, May 30th for a presentation and demo with the artist. Works can be viewed in the Hoxie Gallery from Saturday, May 30th-Thursday, June 25th during library hours.

About the artist:

"My BiblioQuilts and murals are created using distressed books that were salvaged from basements, attics, and public libraries throughout Maine. I repurpose every part of the books I find —the covers, the pages, the spines—breathing new life into my materials with the addition of dyes, inks, and acrylics. Postcards, maps, and other ephemera may be tempting, but I restrict my palette to neglected books. That’s what makes the work both challenging and unique.

Quilts made from recycled cloth are nothing new. But the combination of mixed media and repurposed books presents a whole new challenge. Each piece is comprised of thousands of “tiles” that were meticulously hand-cut from discarded or damaged hardcovers – books that no one has read or paid attention to in decades. Most were on their way to the landfill. I carry an inventory of pre-made BiblioQuilts, and I collaborate with families, libraries, and communities on commissioned pieces and murals. My goal is to create original works of art that evoke warm memories for everyone involved. 

After earning a B.A. in Art from Northwestern University, then an M.A. in Biomedical Communications from the University of Texas, I spent 15 years producing award-winning biomedical illustrations, with an emphasis on traditional media like pen-and-ink, carbon dust, and watercolor. I then switched to strategic planning, marketing, and business development for the nonprofit sector – mostly because I didn’t want to create artwork on a computer. (What can I say…I’m old school.) At this stage of my career, I’m thrilled to be getting back to my roots as a maker of fine crafts.

For the presentation on May 30th, I will provide an overview of the processes and techniques I use in creating a BiblioQuilt, including a hands-on demonstration that could include audience members. In addition to bringing samples of my work that will be on display in Hoxie Gallery during the month of June, I will have prints and notecards available for sale."