The Wayne Public Library calls for artwork submissions to their Mini Art Exhibition during the entire month of February to be displayed until the end of March to celebrate Youth Art Month.  

“It’s neat to see all the different levels of art,” Sharon Carr, the adult services librarian for three years at the Wayne Public Library, said. “From two-year-olds making art to 62-year-olds!” 

Free and open to all ages and art skills, anyone interested can pick up an ‘art kit’ from the Wayne Public Library until the end of February. The art kit contains a mini canvas, a container of air-dry clay, some paint, a paintbrush and a booklet with art terms, Carr said.  

Funding for supplies was provided by the fundraising efforts of the nonprofit organization, Friends of the Library, Carr said.  

“It’s just a fun way to interact with the community and get to know people through their art,” Carr said.  

Carr said the mini artwork submitted before Mar. 1 does not need to come from the provided kits, but the artwork must not exceed 4 by 4 inches.  

There is no limit to the number of submissions from one person or strict parameters, just small enough to be able to fit in the hallway display case in the Wayne Public Library, Carr said.   

Each piece of artwork submitted will be tagged with the artist’s name, just like a real art gallery, Carr said.  

“I was really experimenting with new programs,” Carr said. “During the pandemic, we were trying to think of a lot of to-go programs, and we’ve just kept this one.” 

Madi Meyer, a library assistant for three years at the Wayne Public Library, said she enjoys how the Mini Art Exhibition generates exposure to new activities.  

“With the different kind of mediums that you get in the kit, it’s a fun way to explore options you wouldn’t normally pursue,” Meyer said.  

In 2022, there were 60 artist participants and a total of 44 art pieces came back. In 2023, all 50 kits have gone out so far and the library staff hope for an equal return of artwork, Carr said.  

“We’ve just had a really great response, people are interested,” Carr said. “It’s exciting to be able to submit your art to a gallery. It’s special. It’s out there. People get to see it.” 

Hours for the Wayne Public Library are as follows: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. 

“The event is easily accessible,” Meyer said. “I think people can learn about their interests, it’s good to try new things. And it’s free!”