Prince William Public Libraries Supports the Arts in Montclair and Beyond

Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) are open for business, and art is happening at Montclair Library. Enjoy exhibits by regional artists featured on the "Art Wall." Pop into a "Meet the Artist" event. Register for classes or stop by the adult coloring station. PWPL encourages community members to interact with and learn from artists and their work, and the library equips patrons to explore and experience art. 

The Watercolor Collaborative is an ongoing class for intermediate to advanced artists, taught virtually by Montclair resident and nationally recognized watercolorist Sharie Boyle. In fact, she has taught this class since the library opened in 2016. In 2020, she pivoted to teach online so that artists could continue developing their skills and stay connected through the library during a time of social isolation. 

Through art, Sharie brings people together and encourages experimentation. For example, she challenges watercolor students to use "Yupo," polypropylene paper that resists water instead of absorbing it. She demonstrates how to use everyday items such as mailing envelopes and magic erasers to create textures and backgrounds using watercolor pigment. Stop by Montclair Library November – December 2021 to enjoy her exhibit "Pieces of My Mind," featuring works of watercolor and collage, and don't miss "Meet the Artist with Sharie Boyle" on Wednesday, December 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Besides live virtual classes, the Watercolor Collaborative invented an asynchronous way to work together during the pandemic. Each season, we select a theme and create a digital art quilt made up of individual watercolor pieces that group members paint and photograph. Each artist submits one piece, and we arrange their images into a grid pattern and post the quilt on PWPL's social media. On November 21, search #PrinceWilliamPublicLibraries to view "Gratefulness," the next installment in the series of digital art quilts by The Watercolor Collaborative.

PWPL's Digital Library an extensive resource of online databases accessible for free with a library card, is another way the library extends its support of Fine Arts appreciation and skills development.

• Creativebug, a video learning database for arts and crafts, is a go-to resource to learn new skills and take classes with recognized design experts and artists;
• Browse the "arts, crafts and hobbies" section of Universal Class to find classes to learn the basics of drawing, painting, and photography;
• Access Video on Demand is an extensive resource to study Art History and to learn styles of art from different ethnic traditions and historical periods.

Whether you like to learn independently or in a library program, or you prefer to just pop in to enjoy an art exhibit at one of our 12 libraries throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas, PWPL strives to provide year-round, lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities for the whole community. While we are committed to provide in-person experiences, we also recognize the value of virtual options for learning. Through groups such as The Watercolor Collaborative, art exhibits, and interactive programs, PWPL intentionally supports and promotes the arts because our mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

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Written by Lena Gonzalez Berrios, Montclair Library