Library patrons can take a quick art break this summer and fall at the Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch. It’s all thanks to a new series of art exhibits made possible by a Quad City Arts Dollars grant.

The first of three such exhibits opens Friday, June 20, with a free public reception from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street. Entitled, “Explorations,” the exhibit features local artists Zaiga Thorson, Stacey Replinger, and Raphael Iaccarino. The reception is free and open to the public and offers light refreshments and opportunities to meet the artists.

The artists provided the following general descriptions of their works:

• Zaiga Thorson, “My art making unfolds as a journey of discovery and wonder, embracing the inherent challenges of translating ephemeral experiences into tangible forms. Beginning with translucent washes of oil on wood panels, I allow the paint’s own movement to guide the initial stages.”
• Stacey Replinger, “My paintings are abstract with nature and urban references. They are lively with line, texture and color moving across the compositions. The scale of the work will help the viewer dive into the painting as an experience.”
• Ralph Iaccarino. “First introduced to the beauty and ecological importance of the rainforests and jungles of Central America in 1981, Iaccarino became intrigued by the vast possibilities for creative expression found there. The vivid colors and bold lines merge with subtle shadings and lighting to present captivating visual effects.”

Their works will remain on exhibit during regular library hours through July 31. Paintings in the library auditorium will be available for viewing when the room is not in use. For questions, please check with staff at the branch.

The next exhibit, featuring artists Tony Seabolt, Lisa Mahar, and Jeff Ignatius, opens Friday, August 15. In all, the Rock Island Public Library will host three art exhibits at the Watts-Midtown Branch this year, with support from Quad City Arts, through the Arts Dollars re-granting program, supported by The Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment.

For more upcoming events for all ages, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram. All Rock Island Public Library events are free and open to the public. The Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading Challenge is also open to anyone, of any age.

Level Up at Your Library summer reading challenges and 150 free events run through July 31. Move ahead one space to any Rock Island Public Library this summer for reading, great all-ages fun, and free experiences for all ages!