The Fayetteville Public Library will host an art discussion on Feb. 20, revolving around a monthlong exhibit titled Looking for America.
"The exhibit is currently set up in the Reading Room on the top floor of the library," explains Leah Frieden, assistant manager of the Reference Department. "There are about 10 pieces, and they're a blend of mixed-media pieces, like an audio recording of different voices saying what it means to them to be an American. The event on the 20th will feature some of the artists that created these works, and the audience will be able to have a conversation with them about their work and what it means to be an American here in Northwest Arkansas."
Go & Do
‘Looking for America:
A Multi-Media Art Exhibit’
When: Through February; art reception and community conversation, 5 p.m. Feb. 20
Where: Walker Community Room, Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville
Cost: Free
Information: (479) 856-7000; faylib.org
National sponsors of the event include New American Economy, the American University School of Public Affairs and CuriosityConnects.us; the exhibit has been presented in five other U.S. cities, including Detroit and Salt Lake City.
"The Looking for America tour is an effort to hear different perspectives on immigration in America through the lens of very different communities," says a press release from the national sponsors. "At a time when Americans are more divided than ever, especially on the issue of immigration, Looking for America seeks to bring people together across political divides and answer the question, 'What does it mean to be American?' This series serves to reveal what different Americans and communities think about immigration, how local cultures and circumstances are shaping political perspectives across the United States, and how we can build a more constructive dialogue and understanding at a time of increasing division and polarization across America."
In addition to the evening at the Fayetteville Public Library, related events have been held around the Northwest Arkansas area at places like Brick and Mortar in Rogers, Northwest Arkansas Community College and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse served as emcee.
"I've been concerned for some time that as a nation, we seem to be losing the ability to respectfully discuss issues that matter to all of us," said Mayor Sprouse in the press release. "We've got to be able to talk with each other and to hear and understand different points of view, even when we disagree. When we make a conscious effort to be better listeners and to remember that every person has value and purpose, we bring out the best in each other. This is important work, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it."
Since the art has been displayed in the FPL Reading Room since the beginning of the month, says Frieden, the library has received positive comments.
"One of the things that the organizers emphasized about this is that the purpose of the project is to bring together people of all backgrounds, all political stripes, to share their perspectives," she says. "The library is a great place for that -- a great community space, a neutral area where we can have those types of conversations."
NAN Profiles on 02/16/2020