Main Content

Art at the Library

The Jasper County Public Library provides limited space at each of our locations for display of original works of art and crafts, as well as display of private collections. These exhibits, as approved by library staff, are encouraged as a cultural expression of local community activity.

For more information, please read our Art Exhibit and Display Case Use Policy. Or stop in or call with questions.

Childhood in South Africa depicted in works by Rensselaer artist

Rensselaer May, 2023

Hi, I am Emily Jane, the 17-year-old artist of all the paintings you see and I work here at the library.

If you are actually reading this bio, thank you, cause that means you took two minutes out of whatever you are currently doing, stopped and looked.

I was born and raised in South Africa for ten years, so many of my paintings are inspired by memories of my childhood home.

Besides that, I draw/paint whatever inspires me in that current moment and then, maybe, if the burst of creativity lasts that long, I’ll finish it on the same day, which is a rare occurrence, so I have no idea how long any of these took me.

They are not by any means what some would call professional, but they’re mine, and they are not perfect because I’m not perfect, no artist or human is.

That’s why I like to paint, I can mess up, be colorful, weird, maybe even not quite complete and that’s ok, but then again art is a reflection.

Ok, I’m going to stop trying to sound poetic and just say

“These are my painting’s and I hope they make you smile, or if anything cause you to pause and distract you from this over complicated/crazy life.”


John Groppe presents The Art of Still Life Photography at the Rensselaer Library in March and April

Rensselaer March, 2023Photo of a smiling man in his 80s in a dress shirt, bow tie, and sweater.

A still life photograph is a constructed photo in that the photographer chooses the elements of the photo and arranges them. There are three aspects of this mode of photography.

First is the primary focus. In my photos displayed here, fruits, vegetables and flowers are the primary focus. These items have their own shapes, colors, and textures. Second is the base or platform on or in which the items are displayed such as plates, dishes, and bowls. These add their own colors, shapes, and textures. Finally, there is the stage on which the objects are presented. Some of my photos were shot outdoors, some indoors and in either case in different kinds of lighting. More colors, shapes, and textures become part of the photo. The lighting illuminates but also creates shadows, both of which can enhance the photo.

As you view my photos, notice all three aspects-the subject matter, the platform that serves up the items, and the stage and its elements. Notice them all. Whether you start with the central objects and then work out to the full scene or work from the full scene inward to the central objects. Try to discern how all three elements work together, and do not overlook the base that serves the objects to you.

Some of these photos have been digitally modified. These modifications offer a degree of abstraction that highlights or intensifies some aspects of the photos and downplays other aspects. Compare some of the digitized photos with the unmodified ones. What stands out more in the digitized photos?

For inspiration I sometimes use still life works by other photographers or painters as you can see in the photo of my work boots. That photo was modeled on Van Gogh'; many paintings of work boots.

I would be happy to discuss my photos if you are interested in learning more.

Artist's Bio: I have been interested in photography and visual art all my life but became deeply involved in photography only in the second half of my life. My wife and I came to Rensselaer in 1962 to teach at Saint Joseph's College and to start our family, which ultimately was a family of five children. Rose Marie taught philosophy and later math, always on a part time basis. I taught literature and writing courses and retired in 2003 as a Professor Emeritus of English. I have been a long-standing member of The Jasper County Art League and the Prairie Arts Council, both of which gave me encouragement as well as ideas and techniques for my photography as well as opportunities to present my work.

John D. Groppe
638 W. Washington St,
Rensselaer, IN 47978
papagroppe@gmail.com


Kayla DeJong shares paintings and crafts at Rensselaer Library through February

Rensselaer January, 2023The artist standing with several canvases of her artwork on the wall.

Kayla de Jong has lived in Rensselaer her entire life. She enjoys a variety of art mediums, including crocheting, writing poetry, scrapbooking, photography, and painting.

She usually paints with acrylics on canvas (which is what most of the pieces on display are). Besides what she made in an art class throughout her homeschooling years, most of the works Kayla creates are from self-taught methods, books she has read, or YouTube videos she has watched.

Her dream is to someday build a business based on her creations. To see what other types of things she has made recently, you can visit her Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/swaggerandswain.

The artist standing with her craft items in a display case.
Charcoal and white pastel sketch of polar bear and cubs snuggling

Holiday art by Judy Crawford on display at DeMotte Library

A special holiday exhibit by Judy Crawford is on display at DeMotte Library through December.
For more examples please visit: www.judycrawfordart.com


Closeup of the artist next to part of her works.

Bonnie Zimmer's Goddesses of the Woods Banners on display at Rensselaer Library in September, October

Goddesses of the Woods Banners, 2019
By Bonnie Zimmer, Rensselaer
Eco printing on china silk
You can see more of my work at bonniezimmer.com


Photo of the artist with several of her photos

Southwest photos of Kim Hunter on display at Rensselaer Library in July and August

Kim Hunter is the Acquisitions Specialist at the Rensselaer Public Library. She has had an interest in photography for many years, particularly landscape and animal photography. This is the first time her photos have been shown.
The photos here are all from her March 2022 trip to the Southwest, including Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, and Colorado.


Photo of moon paintings on the Rensselaer art wall.

You are invited to the Rensselaer Library to view No Fear Painting artwork in May and June 2022

You are invited to the Rensselaer Library to view No Fear Painting artwork in May and June 2022.
No Fear Painting Art Experience: This exhibit shows participants of the No Fear Painting art experience. The artworks in this exhibit are painted from a photograph of a full moon that Sheila Broussard had taken.


Photo of the artist with a blue soft-sculpture dragon

Dragons come to life in works of featured artist in Sept. and Oct. at Rensselaer

Good Marrow!

I’m Autumn, and I am a multi-medium artist who works in ceramics, sculpture, textiles, colored pencil, charcoal, oil and acrylic paints, wood, and ink wash! I’m also the Youth Services Specialist at the DeMotte Library.


Photo of the artist with her paintings.

Priscilla Knopf art on display in July, August at Wheatfield Library

Jasper County Art League member Patricia Knopf has been working with art from an early age.

"My interest in art began as a young child growing up in Michigan. I loved to draw the things I would see when my family went on our weekly rides in the country."


Photo of the artist with her paintings.

Janice Kredeit is featured artist of July, August at DeMotte Library

Janice Kredeit is the DeMotte Library's spotlight artist for the month. Her artwork will be on display inside the DeMotte Library throughout the months of July and August.


Photo of the artist.

Kari Swan shows off Thunderswan Art Room at Rensselaer in July and August

Thunderswan Art Room was created by Kari Swan, an Indiana resident, as a way to bring her love of different art forms together.

She has been photographing nature for 17 years as a hobby. About five years ago she became very interested in digital art and incorporated it into her work.


A photo of the artist with his photos.

Travel photos of Thomas J. Ryan on display at Rensselaer in May and June

Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. is an amateur photographer who has mostly taken pictures of mountain vistas and maritime settings out East and in other countries like Africa. Several of the sunset photographs are taken locally near Lake Banet.

Tom enjoys biking, climbing, hiking, and swimming in the ocean where beauty is always present.


Claudia Pletting displays in March, April at Rensselaer Library

My interest in art as a means of expression began with photography. Little did I know, growing up in Wabash, how much I loved Indiana…nature…and the power of photography to create highly personal impressions.