Exhibits
Beauty and the Beads: Divine Fire and Color in Transatlantic Beaded Art
Beauty and the Beads: Divine Fire and Color in Transatlantic Beaded Art
Moyo Okediji
February 6, 2025
- April 27, 2025
Central Library - 710 W. César Chávez St.
Gallery (2nd Floor)
About the Exhibit
Exhibition Reception February 6, 5:30-8:00pm
Artist Presentation and Discussion: February 27, 6:00pm-7:30pm
This exhibition presents a transformational moment in the history of glass beads, arguably the most popular artistic medium in Africa. It details, with the use of expressive objects, videos and photographs, the process through which the indigenous traditions of beaded glassmaking transform from three-dimensional tubular shapes to flat geometric figural forms.
Beads are some of the most ancient art forms in Africa, as archaeological excavations indicate. Fabricated from several materials including stones, seeds, bones and metals, bead have also been given faience treatments as glass ornaments as far back as thousands of years in ancient Egyptian art. In this exhibition, the artists focus exclusively on glass beads fused with colorful glazes using indigenous firing techniques in wood-fueled kilns. The environmental footprints of this kiln are substantial, motivating the artists to develop and experiment with a more environmentally accommodating gas-fueled technology for glass smelting, adapted from their indigenous techniques. To further extend the creative potentials of the glass beaded technology, this project also adapted the indigenous mold to build flat shaped chromatic beads designed exclusively for pictorial compositions constructed as wall hangings.
About the Artist
Moyo Okediji is an art historian, artist, and curator. He studied fine arts at the University of Ife, before proceeding to the University of Benin, where he did an MFA in African Art Criticism, Poetry, and Painting. At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he received a PhD in African Arts and Diaspora Visual Cultures. He has apprenticed with several indigenous African artists working in both sacred and secular mediums including mat weaving, textile designs, terra cotta, shrine painting, and sculpture.
After teaching for several years in Nigeria, Okediji relocated to the United States in 1992. For ten years he was the curator of African and Oceanic arts at the Denver Art Museum. He has taught at various colleges in the United States, including Wellesley College, Gettysburg College, University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the University of Colorado at Denver. He has also exhibited at various places including the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, The Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC,. the Corcoran Center, London, and the National Museum Gallery, Lagos Nigeria. He is the author of books and exhibition catalogues including African Renaissance, Old Forms, New Images in Yoruba Art; and The Shattered Gourd: Yoruba Forms in Twentieth Century American Art.
Image credit
Moyo Okediji
Austin Public Library Staff Art Exhibition
Austin Public Library Staff Art Exhibition
March 1, 2025
- July 31, 2025
Central Library - 710 W. César Chávez St.
Living Room (6th Floor)
About the Exhibit
Austin Public Library Staff Art Exhibition
Artists: Katrin Abel, Annie Prafcke, Chris Chiarchiaro, Kali Carpenter, Amy Cogburn, Dale Bridges, Jessi Carrubba, Allison Steger, Ellen (Turner) Scott, Vanessa Jarmusch, Ginger Scott, Nicole Parker, Rebecca Liendo, Sabrina Snyder, Rachele Merliss, Efua Prah, Jennifer Connor, Sean Wood, James Gasser, Gary Rosas, Lauren Meza, Carson Saldivar, Jewel Gonzales, Kerri Dame-Robinson, Aldo Urquiza, Victoria Wayland, Katie Middleton, Jane Sievert, Deborah Megehe, Ambray Gonzales, Mary Beth Widhalm, Tatiana Gonzalez, Christian Riley, Michael Peck, William McConnell, Lillian Primeaux
We’re thrilled to invite you to a unique and inspiring art exhibition at the Austin Public Library! In a celebration of creativity, the staff across all our library branches and departments have come together to showcase their personal artwork in our Living Room Gallery on the 6th floor of Central Library.
Why Art? Why Now?
At the heart of this exhibition is the belief that art has the power to bring people together, spark joy, and inspire new ways of thinking. By sharing the artistic talents of our team, we hope to encourage a broader appreciation of art, and highlight the amazing work that’s often done outside the public eye. Plus, it's a fantastic way for us to connect with you on a different level, showing that creativity and passion live in all corners of the library.
About the Artist
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Staff's Creative Side
At the Austin Public Library, our staff is always here to help you find the perfect book, offer resources to support your needs, and keep the libraries safe and clean. But did you know that many of us are also talented artists in our spare time? From paintings and photography to sculpture and mixed media, the artwork featured in this exhibition highlights the diverse and incredible creative skills of the people who make the library such a vibrant place.
It's also a chance for us to share the power of art with our community and to foster a deeper connection through the universal language of creativity.
Come Check It Out!
We invite you to visit the Living Room Gallery to see the pieces on display and perhaps discover something new from your local library staff.
Whether you're a frequent visitor to our library or it's your first time, we hope you’ll stop by to enjoy the exhibition, connect with the staff, and maybe even be inspired to explore your own creative side.
Save the Date: APL Call for Artists
Save the Date: APL Call for Artists
April 16, 2025
- May 31, 2025
Central Library - 710 W. César Chávez St.
Gallery (2nd Floor)
About the Exhibit
Application opening date: June 1-August 31, 2025
Deadline for applications: 11:59pm (CT), Sunday, August 31, 2025
Austin Central Library invites artists, collectives, curators and beyond to submit proposals for consideration to exhibit at the 2700sq ft. gallery for a 12-week exhibition period, taking place between Fall 2026-Spring 2027. Selections will be made by impartial juries comprised of local artists, curators, educators and community leaders through a jury-scoring process. Candidates will be announced in Fall 2025. It is free to apply, and the call is open to applicants residing in Texas.
The Gallery at Austin’s Central Library offers a dynamic space for showcasing a wide range of contemporary art, featuring rotating exhibits from both local and national artists. With a mission to make a meaningful impact on Austin's creative landscape, the gallery enhances access to diverse art forms and presents exhibitions that celebrate a variety of identities and interests.
As a free public venue, the gallery strives to offer high-quality exhibitions while serving as a key destination for arts, creativity, and educational programs in the city. Visitors are encouraged to explore the gallery’s curated displays in both The Gallery and the 6th Floor Living Room Gallery during regular library hours, embracing the opportunity to engage with art that reflects the rich, multifaceted culture of Austin.
About the Artist
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted through the Submittable online platform. Submit your application by the deadline of August 31, 2025, with the following items:
- Exhibit Title
- Exhibit Proposal (250 Words)
- Artist(s) Statement (150 words)
- Installation needs (100 words)
- Why is Austin Central Library the right venue for your exhibition (100 words)
- Digital Images;
- labelled ArtistName_Image #
- Individual artists must submit 10 digital images of artwork completed in the past 5 years.
- Small groups of up to 6 collaborating artists must submit 2-3 Digital Images by each participating artist of work completed in the past 5 years.
- Organizations and larger groups must submit 2 - 3 Digital Images by each participating artist of work completed in the past 5 years.
- Image List Please include artist name, image file number, title of piece, year created, medium and dimensions of all images uploaded.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Contact lib.exhibits@austintexas.gov for questions
Image credit
Yuliya Lanina, Ivette Levy, Moyo Okediji, Pepe Coronado
Marque La Fecha En Su Calendario: APL Convocatoria Para Artistas
Marque La Fecha En Su Calendario: APL Convocatoria Para Artistas
April 18, 2025
- May 31, 2025
Central Library - 710 W. César Chávez St.
Gallery (2nd Floor)
About the Exhibit
La Biblioteca Pública de Austin invita a artistas, colectivos, curadores y otras personas visionarias del ámbito creativo a presentar propuestas de exhibición para ser consideradas en:
La Galería de la Biblioteca Central para las temporadas de otoño 2026 y primavera 2027
https://library.austintexas.gov/gallery
Fecha de APERTURA de la convocatoria: 1 Junio, 2025
Fecha de CIERRE de la convocatoria: 31 Agosto 2025, 11:59 PM CT
*Próximamente publicaremos más información sobre datos técnicos y aplicaciones.
Image credit
Yuliya Lanina, Ivette Levy, Moyo Okediji, Pepe Coronado