Way Library is pleased to host an exhibit by local artist, Rob Vanitvelt, in commemoration of America's 250th. The paintings depict allegorical statues of American values and will be on display through August.
- As you come in the library vestibule you will see Ceres, goddess of agriculture and the harvest, immediately to your right. The statute itself is part of "The Progress of Railroading" designed by Louis Saint-Gaudens and sculpted by Andrew E. Boseman, located on the facade of Union Station in Washington, D.C.
- In the vestibule on your left is Lady Peace located in California.
- As you go further into the library, you'll see on your right a painting depicting "The Spirit of Progress." this statue symbolizes commerce and was on top of the Montgomery Ward Administration Building in Chicago. The statue was inspired by a similar sculpture done by August Saint-Gaudens and the sculptors are credited as George Mulligan and Joseph Conradi.
- On your left facing into the library, you'll see a painting showing "Statue of Freedom" which adorns the top of the U.S. Capitol. The statue was designed and cast by Thomas Crawford. You can read more about its history on the Architect of the Capitol website.
- In the back right corner of the building by the DVD area, you'll see the Statue of Liberty's torch. The full name for the sculpture is "State of Liberty Enlightening the World" and it is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The sculptor was Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and it was dedicated in 1886.
- There are two paintings on the big window along Louisiana Ave. On the left is a depiction of "Contemplation of Justice." This was sculpted by James Earle Fraser in 1935 and is located on the Supreme Court steps . An interesting detail to notice is that the large figure is holding a miniature figure representing Justice.
- On the right side of the windows is a depiction of "Lady Justice". There are many examples of this statue throughout the country. The figure is usually depicted with a blindfold holding both a sword and scales.
There are several programs scheduled around this exhibition:
- Painting Demo with artist Rob Vanitvelt - June 18th at 6 pm
- Painting Tour with artist Rob Vanitvelt - July 2nd at 6 pm
- Painting Tour and discussion and Dr. Ami Pflugrad-Jackisch - July 8th at 6 pm
- Artist Reception - August 28th at 6:30 pm