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Exhibits

The Derby Arts Council
at the Derby Public Library

The goal of the Derby Arts Council is to encourage, promote and foster appreciation, participation and support for the visual arts. The Derby Arts Council will showcase local artists and provide an exhibition gallery for Derby and the surrounding area to enhance the cultural arts experience.

There are two gallery spaces in the library that are managed by the Derby Arts Council: the Gathering Space Gallery and the High Wall Gallery. The Gathering Space Gallery is in the library’s lobby and includes the Community Room. Art hung inside the library's Community Room is unavailable for viewing during library programs and room rentals. The High Wall Gallery is inside the library, located in the Kansas & Genealogy area of the library. Three-dimensional art and local collectors can be found on display in the lobby display case.

Click the button below to download the Policies and Procedures of the Derby Arts Council, which includes the artist release statement and inventory sheet.

Any questions regarding the artwork, including possible purchase, can be directed to Tami English, Derby Public Library Office Manager and Derby Arts Council Chair.

Now showing in the Gathering Space Gallery


"Where the Wild Things Are"

Photography by David Birmingham, Vanessa Call, Christine Curry, Bill Fales, Gary Genge, Sheila Maksimowicz, Steve Marler, and Betty Thompson

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the wild at the Derby Public Library! "Where the Wild Things Are" is a captivating photography exhibition by eight incredibly talented local photographers, now showing through August 26, 2025.

This unique exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in nature's raw, untamed beauty. Featuring David Birmingham, Vanessa Call, Christine Curry, Bill Fales, Gary Genge, Sheila Maksimowicz, Steve Marler, and Betty Thompson, the collection offers an intimate look at wildlife. From majestic wild horses to vibrant butterflies, and even including a keen fox and diligent woodpeckers, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a visual feast.

Each artist's profound passion for wildlife is beautifully expressed through their captured moments and stunning landscapes. Sheila Maksimowicz's "Standing Tall" features two Bald Eagles, a testament to their recent return to the Cheney Lake area. She reflects, "It has been wonderful to see and photograph so many as they have returned to the area."

Artist Reception: Free and Open to the Public

Meet the artists and celebrate their work at a free public reception on Thursday, August 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Derby Public Library. The reception will feature live music by Trevor Stewart and his Chapman Stick.

Beyond mere visuals, these photographs are a profound testament to the artists' dedication, offering a rare glimpse into the untamed spirit of our world and inspiring a deeper appreciation for its diverse life.

Black Swallowtail on Orange Flowers
by Vanessa Call
Victory
by Christine Curry
Hey...Hey You!
by Gary Genge
Let Go of Me
by Shelia Maksimowicz

 

Now Showing in the High Wall Gallery

 

"Fab Four Framed: A Magical, Visual Tour of Songs by the Beatles"

by Barry Clayton

"Fab Four Framed" offers a unique visual journey through the iconic songs of The Beatles. This special exhibition runs through August 26, 2025, giving residents ample time to experience the magic.

Barry Clayton has channeled his lifelong passion for The Beatles into his distinctive pop artwork. Each year, he brings his creations to Beatlemania in Chicago, delighting fellow fans with his unique perspective on the band's enduring legacy.

Clayton's journey into the world of Beatlemania began in 1964, at the tender age of five, when he first encountered the irresistible music of The Beatles. This exposure ignited a lifelong "fever" for the Liverpool band, a condition from which he never sought, nor desired, a cure. As an adult, his Beatlemania deepened, leading Clayton to become a serious collector of Beatles music and memorabilia. His passion has taken him around the world, visiting significant Beatles sites, meeting individuals connected to the band, and attending numerous concerts and festivals where he connected with others who share his fervent admiration.

Remarkably, Mr. Clayton only began drawing at the age of sixty. His exhibit, "Fab Four Framed," serves as a testament that it’s never too late to try something new. It's a collection that embodies peace, love, and joy, inviting viewers to simply "Let It Be" and immerse themselves in the visual melodies.

The Derby Arts Council encourages everyone to attend the reception, meet Barry Clayton, enjoy the live music by Charlie Wilks, and celebrate this fantastic local talent. The reception will occur on Thursday, August 22, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hey JudeLet It Be
Sgt. PepperStrawberry Fields

Now Showing in the Lobby Display Case

Shutter & Soul: Garry Brownlee's Vintage Camera Journey

Step into a captivating journey through the evolution of photography with Garry Brownlee's exclusive display of vintage cameras. This unique showcase, featuring pieces from Brownlee's personal collection, offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and engineering of classic photographic equipment. Each camera tells a story, from the intricate bellows of early models to the sleek designs of mid-century marvels, inviting viewers to appreciate the tactile beauty and historical significance of these instruments.

Brownlee, a revered local photographer known for his evocative landscapes and portraits, curated this collection as more than just a display of historical artifacts; it's a heartfelt homage to the very roots of his craft. You'll get to see the tools that shaped photographic history and perhaps even spark your own passion for the art. Don't miss this chance to connect with the past and celebrate the enduring legacy of photography through the eyes—and lenses—of Garry Brownlee.

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