No. Not that kind of mount -- although it would be fun to watch (and no, not that other kind of mount either, which is totally inappropriate here) -- I'm talking about installing artwork. Permanently. Last week, while my parents visited us in Alaska, we loaded the commissioned painting that's been finished and sitting in my studio since June -- just waiting for flood/fire/riot/acts of god/small children screaming past on yoga balls to ruin it before I could get it installed -- and drove north from Anchorage about an hour to Wasilla. The Wasilla Public Library's grand opening is at the end of the month. Librarians are stacking shelves, carpenters are finessing details and this was the last piece of public art to be installed. We chose to wait since it hangs in a higher traffic area and we didn't want it to accidentally get dinged by tool belts/new shelves/book carts/children screaming past on yoga balls. My dad wouldn't let go of the top of the painting while we were rolling it in and sometimes it's clear where I get my everything-that-can-go-wrong-probably-will-go-wrong-all-hopped-up-on-worry-prickly-sweat personality. It was great to spend that hour in the truck with my parents, despite all of us feeling nervous about moving the piece, installing it and hoping everyone would be happy after we drove away. We had some good chuckles about all the unicorns I used to draw when I was the same age as my children are now. Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping me sane that morning. Thank you architect husband and trusted finishing carpenter friend for hashing out the details on the design and execution of the maple frame and panel, which was created as a complete unit before the painting even began. I removed the mdf panel to do the work, then reinserted it when complete. A double row of French cleats holds the piece flush to the wall. The frame is super clean, all biscuit joined with a 1/4 " reveal around the work -- basically a custom piece of furniture that happens to have a unicorn painted on it. Painting, schmainting. This frame is freaking gorgeous. "Lost in a Book" hangs at the entrance to the library's childrens' section. It echoes the birch forest that surrounds the building and the materials used inside. It looks like it was made to hang on that wall. (Because it was). Below are more images from the children's area (note the Narnia lightpost in the courtyard outside, just waiting for the first snowfall). The librarians are all smiles and you would be too if you got to come to work in a space like this. Lucky, lucky folks in Wasilla who deserve a lovely library. I'm honored to be a part of it and looking forward to the grand opening. The Ribbon Cutting and Open House is on Thursday, September 22 from 2 - 6:30 pm if you're in the area -- all are welcome! A shout out to Cornerstone (general contractors) and ECI (architects). I'm about to start working on a big dragon. More on that below. More posts about children's book illustration and other illustration:More posts about public art:
11 Comments
Beth
9/7/2016 08:33:17 am
Congratulations Amy. It looks fantastic. And what a wonderful space. So much thought to detail, from the inviting window seats to the rocking chair big enough for an adult and a child or two. And your folks... Nobody else ever ever ever has your back in quite that same way as your parents do. It was something I didn't fully realize until it was gone and I missed it.
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9/7/2016 09:20:39 am
Thank you Beth -- yes. I hear you on the got-your-back part and I try really hard to have my own kids' backs, too. It was a really special day and I'm so glad I could share it here, too. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
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Nan Jacobson
9/7/2016 04:50:52 pm
How wonderful for you and your recent painting/installation success. The piece is colorful, delightful and creative. I grew up with a love of books.That library space is so warm and inviting. Such a great place to display your work. Congrats, Amy!
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9/9/2016 06:25:27 am
Thank you Nan. I didn't grow up going to the library very often (my parents lived a ways from town), but I have fond memories of the times we were able to go, and as a result made sure my children have grown up in our Anchorage Library. I will pass on your library comments to the architects and contractors.
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9/8/2016 09:04:42 am
Hi Amy
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9/13/2016 06:05:00 am
Judy, I'm glad for all these things and more. One of those extra things I'm grateful for is such a strong online support community, which not only includes readers and responders, but also thoughtful writers and artists to follow. I appreciate all your words and images, always.
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Michelle
9/11/2016 09:07:14 am
It's perfect Amy! The library is lovely too; I'd love to see it in person.
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9/13/2016 06:06:05 am
Thank you Michelle! The librarians used that same word. Made me so happy.
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Nikki Poteet
9/28/2018 09:00:22 am
I began visiting the Wasilla library with my 5 girls this past month. I stop and admire your painting every time we go. It so perfectly captures this childhood imagination and playfulness of our home. Beautifully done!
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9/29/2018 08:33:20 am
Hello Nikki!
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Amy MeissnerArtist in Anchorage, Alaska, sometimes blogging about the collision of history, family & art, with the understanding that none exists without the other. Categories
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