The paintings I make are charts of wanderings; what I mean by that is: you can wander around a painting and have, at least sometimes, a feeling of recognition of the place where you are. But the place can shift into a new location, you lose your bearings and then find yourself by intuition. You don't know how you got there, but you know where you are. There are well-beaten tracks and waymarkings that appear familiar.

When I set off on a new canvas, white, pristine, in the morning, I often think why should I want to mess this up? It's like an empty mirror, but when the first few marks are made, it changes. It has direction, it begins to beckon you. Making the decision to start is the important thing, it doesn't seem to matter what you do. Disparate things can be united, related somehow. Dialogue begins. You're conscious of what is going on in one direction, but a lot is happening along the wayside.

Contrasts are important: for example, organic versus geometric. Organic forms arise from memory. There is the energy of the life form against the rectangle of geometric space.

Color is used emotionally. One is pulled into it or set upon by it.

My major concern is to face this "wall" and apply paint so as to both respect the wall and create recesses in it. I feel I would like to sculpt the painting, to cut caves into the wall and thus create a certain presence of emergent life.

-John Tierney

Art Exhibit and Display Policy

• The purpose of exhibits at the Library is to present artwork in all media that will serve to stimulate the appreciation and understanding of art in the greater West Brookfield community.



• The Library will provide insurance coverage for the loss or damage of the artwork. Valuations will be provided by the artist/owner of the artwork and will be based upon the face value.



• Artists interested in exhibiting their own work or items from their personal collection will submit a written request, and provide at least 3 examples of their work.



• Exhibits may be flat or 3-dimensional, including paintings, drawings, etchings, posters, photographs, mixed media, sculptures, textiles, pottery, crafts and collectibles. All artwork must be properly framed prior to the exhibit, which shall not be at the Library’s expense. If accepted, the exhibits will remain on display for a length of time determined by the Library Director. Either individuals or groups may apply to exhibit their work, and written requests will be accepted from professional artists, accomplished amateurs and collectors. Those submitting a request should indicate specific exhibit dates preferred, which will be subject to final approval by the Library Director.



• The artist(s) will work with the Library staff to develop a quality exhibit that is appropriate to the space provided. The installation and removal of the exhibit will be the responsibility of the artist(s), and will be completed 24 hours prior to the exhibits opening date. Any artwork that is not suitably prepared (i.e.: framed, pedestals for sculptures, etc.) for exhibit may be refused. All exhibit specifications including size, location, and selection of artwork requires authorization from of Library Director.



• Any printed materials (i.e. pamphlets, booklets, companion catalogues, etc.) and their associated costs are the sole responsibility of the artist(s).



• The artist(s) will keep the artwork on display for the entire exhibit period, and will remove the exhibit during the next day the Library is closed.



• Artists will be allowed to keep contact information available at the circulation desk in the event there are public inquiries concerning the purchase of their artwork.



• The Library staff are not authorized to act as agents in the sale of art displayed in or outside of the Library on behalf of the exhibiting artist(s).



• The Library reserves the right to publicize the exhibit and any events related to it.



• Artists may hold a public reception during the exhibit dates their work is on display pending the Library Director’s approval.



• All exhibits will be loaned free-of-charge to the Library and admission-free to the general public.