Positioned along the Siuslaw River is an old one-story building that once served as a school but now serves its community for various organizational uses. One use is a two room lending library of which one room is dedicated as a children's library.
Recently the children's library received quite a treat -- walls filled with smiling animals, all of original design, painted by a local artist named Marcy.
Above is a close-up of the first photo above. All these photos and more provide an animated gleeful feeling when you walk into the room -- even for adults like me.
These photos are sections that I took of the walls in the children's library. Notice how she paints some the dog's bodies around the corner of the room.
All four walls in the room have animal characters painted by Marcy. Here is one that has two sweet flying squirrels flying off the top of the room's door molding.
These bright and happy birds are painted in such a way that they look like they are perched on the molding which is located toward the top of the room. Notice how she achieved this look by painting their feet like they are perching on the molding.
This is a lively and oh so powerful painting of these bounding leopards. Of course with smiles.
"And look at me hanging upside down," this cockatoo would be saying if he could talk.
Dogs smiling at all the fun the surrounding animals are having.
Above shows how she ran together room corners of her paintings.
A huge smiling turtle with her children.
Fortunate are the children that have all this original art surrounding them in their library.
What lucky kids in that community! Adults too, of course. Marcy is a very talented artist and obviously a person with a warm and happy personality. Thanks or sharing several of the delightful pictures.
ReplyDeleteJune -- I do believe that adults can enjoy what children enjoy when it brings a resulting smile. How many times have you read a wonderful story to your grandchildren with great art work and ended up feeling like laughing or smiling with them. Music expresses moods as does art work especially with children. Thanks June.
DeleteSuch a happy mind and talent.
ReplyDeleteJoanne -- Art designed for children seems to be created by happy individuals. Maybe we should hang around the children's library section and see the wonder of it all. -- thanks Joanne.
DeleteAbsolutely charming! What lucky children who get to grow up with this as their local library. Thank you to Marcy for making the world a brighter, happier place for the local children and to you for sharing it. Gives me hope in humanity for today :)
ReplyDeleteStarr -- I agree that the children who use this library are lucky. I liked the idea that this very small town meshed together with a local artist and made such a terrific place for their community of children.Thanks Starr.
DeleteSo cute. My grandkids would love this, especially the conceit that the birds are perched on the molding or the doorframe.
ReplyDeleteHattie -- I bet your grandkids would live this room. Small places can produce huge results -- especially in this scenario. Thanks Hattie.
DeleteWhat a talented artist Marcy is.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, You, as a teacher of young children, know the importance of children being around creativity. Thanks for your comment -- barbara
DeleteThese paintings are extraordinary art...and sure to be enjoyed by many little ones. As children grow they will have heard what the words say, and then can read them themselves. Libraries start children on the path to enjoying literature. Art and reading go together!
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- I so agree with your words. Libraries are some of our finest institutions here in the U.S. To incorporate art makes the library experience all the richer especially for children. Art and reading do go together! -- barbara
DeleteWhat a great place to grab a book and get 'lost'. LOVE your banner too.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Thanks for such a nice comment. Yes, libraries do provide plenty of books to read in some lost area of a library. And art work can make the atmosphere fun. The header was taken on a high bank of the wild Siuslaw River that presents beauty no matter where you look. -- barbara
DeleteI just love murals for children on public space walls! Your title says it all!! I see the child in you was delighted by this art!!
ReplyDeleteRita -- Perhaps we all have some child in us -- the artist that painted the figures on the walls plus the woman that told me to check out the art in the library when I first moved here. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteHow neat. I have found memories of my mom taking me to the St. Paul Public Library Children's Room as a child...:)
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- Interesting that you recall your mom taking you to the children's room at the library -- and now you are a prolific reader and blog book reviewer -- I think there is a link here. Also, the art and library came together in this very small community for the children. It takes a town with a sense of community to make this all happen.
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