New ceramics display at Dole Branch

Glazed ceramic art figures of three people, a dog, and a cat, and a platter

The next time you’re at Dole Branch Library, come see a wonderful collection of ceramic pieces adorning the library shelves and walls. These pieces were created by participants in the Park District of Oak Park’s Active Adults ceramics class. We’ve included some photos here, but they’re really more impressive up close and in person! The … Read more

‘My lineage begins there’: Photographer Jason Dorsey debuts portraits at Main Library

Massai tribesperson photographed in profile

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Growing up, Jason Dorsey always knew he wanted to travel. “It’s almost like I had a thread of adventure inside of me, always,” he says. So he joined the U.S. Marines in 2000, right out of high school. But after returning home from active duty four years later, … Read more

‘Outsider’ bird art brightens Maze Branch in winter

Artwork of woodpeckers and a cardinal by Casey Jones above bookshelves at Maze Branch

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Want to see some colorful birds during these dreary January days? Just look up. Above the bookshelves at Maze Branch, that is, where artwork by outsider artist Casey Jones went up earlier this month. Using recycled materials like packing boxes and paper, plus paint and glitter “and whatever … Read more

November in the Gallery: Library regular Vanley Roebuck

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Longtime library regular and self-taught artist Vanley Roebuck will show his paintings in an exhibit this November at the Main Library. We caught up with him this summer, when some of his work was on display at Maze Branch, to talk about how he got into painting and … Read more

Artist at work: Jacob Hashimoto at the Main Library

Artist works at table in front of artwork

By Kristen Romanowski, Staff Writer & Editor Artist Jacob Hashimoto stopped by the Main Library in September. While in the area for the opening of his show at a Chicago gallery, he came to Oak Park to make repairs to parts of his intricate artwork in our library’s permanent art collection. Hashimoto’s 8-by-12-foot piece skip … Read more

Featured artist: Chris Ware

Book cover of Chris Ware's Rusty Brown

Celebrated artist, author, former Oak Parker and School of the Art Institute alum Chris Ware has a new book out, Rusty Brown. Here’s what Slate and The New York Times Book Review had to say about it. And coincidentally, a Rusty Brown comic strip is one of the three Chris Ware pieces owned and displayed on the third floor of … Read more