Coe Library holds its first art invitational during the 2010-2011 school year.  There are a variety of different styles and genres ranging from metal sculptures to oil paintings and photographs, all from local artists and UW faculty.

“We just wanted to give local artists a good venue to display their work,” said Jennifer Mayer, the Fine Arts and Women’s Studies Librarian.  “We are super jazzed about the art,” she said.

Mayer is the one of the coordinators for the event, along with David Kruger.

The invitational allows Laramie artists to loan their art for display in the library for no less than one year, according to Mayer.

The works can be any media, and artists can submit more than one piece.

Jim Knadler, a local artist and lecturer, submitted his recycled metal art pieces.

“I like to take junk and turn it in to something that people hopefully like.”

His art includes recycled street light tops, drinking fountains, chair arms and broken mirrors.

His piece, entitled Jackson and Me is a tribute to Jackson Pollock, matching the “splattered paint” style.  Another piece, entitled The Point of Business, is more of a literal interpretation.

“I took some of the formulas from a business book, and to me the point of business is making money.”

Knadler’s art is located on the ground floor of Coe library.

Another featured local artist is Terry Reid, whose eclectic use of color brings a new twist to portraiture.  There is a portrait of Bill Cody and another entitled Campus Girl.

The pieces are on loan to the library for the 2010 – 2011 school year but can be purchased from the artists.

“The invitational provides the artist with exposure to sell their art, either for personal collections or donation for permanent placement in the UW library,” Mayer said.

Prices are located on small placards near the art.

The university has also purchased past works that now have a permanent home in the library including a large sculpture from James Surls named Rolling Flower.  Its home is on the top floor of the library.

This is the first invitational and although the time for submitting art has passed, Mayer strongly encourages other artists to submit their work next year.

For more information, contact David Kruger at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .