Public Art & Art Galleries
We believe in supporting literacy development in all its forms. Check out how the Library supports fine art in the Centre Region with galleries for artists of all ages and public art to enhance your quality of life. You’re invited to explore the beautiful work on temporary and permanent display!
Gallery Spaces at Schlow
Centre County is full of wonderful artists and we are proud to exhibit their work in our gallery. A gallery committee solicits submissions, reviews applications, and oversees operations. Art is interpreted broadly to include paintings, sculpture, crafts, etc. The committee meets periodically throughout the year to select and schedule exhibitions.
Exhibitions in the Allen Gallery and in the Teens Create Space are intended to enrich and inspire community curiosity and conversations on art, history, civics, culture, as well as other concepts that define and affect the human condition.
Interested in applying? Fill in the form below. Please allow up to 30 days for a response.
Conditions for Exhibition and Application
Schlow offers two gallery spaces. The Betsy Rodgers Allen Gallery is located on the first floor of the library next to the Community Room and the front entrance. The Teens Create Space is located on the second floor.
The objective of our exhibits is to enrich the aesthetic environment of the library and the community, to provide a learning opportunity for people of all ages, and to promote works by local artists. Art is interpreted broadly to include paintings, sculpture, crafts, etc.
A gallery committee solicits and reviews applications from artists and oversees gallery operations. The committee meets periodically throughout the year to review applications. Artists interested in exhibiting their work are invited to apply.
The form is to be submitted along with sample work that may be kept on file.
Conditions for Displaying Work in the Galleries
- The library reserves the right to reject or remove work if its content is judged not to be in the best interest of the library or its patrons.
- Artwork must be of suitable size for the gallery and must not interfere with use of library facilities.
- The library carries no special insurance to cover damages, loss and/or theft and assumes no liability for loss, damage or theft of work. By signing the exhibit application the artist releases the library from all liability.
- Selected artists are responsible for installation and removal of all works on the agreed upon days.
- Information for labels must be delivered to the Gallery Coordinator at least one week prior to the exhibit.
- Exhibits are to be installed by the artist with the assistance and supervision of the library's Gallery Coordinator. The Gallery Coordinator shall always retain final say in all aspects of arrangement and display.
- All art must be ready to install. (Artists may request magnetic frames for unframed, 2D work. Availabilty is limited, so please note this need in the form.)
- No maintenance will be performed by the library staff. Staff availability for administrative tasks and support is limited.
- Work will be displayed for approximately one month. Dates will be determined by the Gallery Committee and agreed upon by the artist at least one month prior to the installation of the exhibit.
- Art may not be removed or replaced prior to the last day of the exhibit without the permission of the library.
- Work may be displayed with discreet prices. The artist may also include a summary page that contains the following: Information concerning the exhibit, art can be obtained by contacting: (name, address phone), or the artist may supply business cards/pamphlets. This library does not collect a commission on sales at this time. However, donations are encouraged.
- The library cannot accommodate materials left as tributes or memorials as they may present barriers to accessibility and/or a hazard to our youngest patrons. Guest books may be left for the duration of the exhibition by the artist or organization instead.
- Publicity regarding the exhibit is to be coordinated with the library. The library's standard means of publicity is limited to in-house promotions and social media channels.
- The artist whose work is appearing in a Gallery may schedule the use of the Community Room for a reception related to the exhibit. Scheduling of the Community Room is done through the library's Administration Office and must adhere to the library's Community Room Policy.
- The artist is to provide his/her own refreshments and send out his/her own invitations. Alcohol is not permitted. The reception must be open to the general public. No sales of the work may take place at the reception.
Public Art at the Library
Public art installations are an essential part of a community’s identity. The arts and crafts of a region illustrate their interests, economy, history, and aspirations. In the Centre Region, public art is a staple of the Library, government buildings and private businesses. Many sculptures in the area are made of bronze, but viewers can also find paintings, illustrations, and multimedia installations throughout the Library. Find more public art through the Downtown State College Art Walk and don’t forget to stop by the Library to visit our permanent collection.
When We Emerge. Living Wall no.17 by Mallory Zondag (2025)
This 12-foot sculpture was installed in October 2025. “When We Emerge. Living Wall no.17" is a creation by Mallory Zondag with contributions from the State College community, who were invited in fall of 2024 to participate in various library-partnered workshops at 3 Dots Downtown. Guided by artist Mallory Zondag and brought to life through the hands of local community members, this collaborative, fiber mural was crafted using traditional folk methods of felting to honor the native flora and fauna of Pennsylvania. The wool sculpture hangs on the elevator wall of the teen space and wows visitors. Look closely! How many species can you identify?
A partnership between Schlow Library and 3 Dots Downtown, this project was made possible from generous support of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
A Fantastic Adventure: a Public Mural by Margalo Guo and Schlow Patrons (2024)
Margalo Guo’s design for an outdoor mural transformed the Schlow Library parking lot ramp into a realm of fantasy and promises imaginative adventures to all who enter. The artwork features a dragon and a phoenix, representing the energy and exploration patrons exhibit when they visit Schlow. The artist's bright pallet adds warmth and vibrancy to the Library's property. A weekend event, held in the fall of 2024 included community visitors to add to the mural with leaf and feather stencils, which were later refined by Guo. Passersby interact with the pieces, taking selfies or photos and sharing their joy with friends.
A partnership between Schlow Library and 3 Dots Downtown, this project was made possible from generous support of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Downtown Eugene Brown by Gavin Gardner (2014)
Donated by Rich and Sally Kalin to the community in 2014, Downtown Eugene Brown is located on Beaver Ave, near the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) office. Eugene is the result of a commission by the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (CPFA) on behalf of Schlow Centre Region Library and the CATA. The CPFA managed a nationwide commissioning process which reviewed over 125 entries and a small committee of local representatives selected American artist Gavin Gardner’s proposal. The result is the 6’ 5” bronze figure of an older gentleman wearing noise-cancelling headphones, waiting for a bus, while enjoying a book. The sculpture stands comfortably tall in its setting and represents both the Library and CATA in the transitional nature of this corner of Beaver Avenue. Gavin’s grandfather, Eugene Gardner was the model. A copy of Charles Dickens’ novel Great Expectations is in the statue’s jacket pocket. Eugene is often the site of annual yarn bombing. Free scarfs, hats, and gloves can often be found here in the winter for community members in need.
Modern Day Thinker by Mark Pilato (2011)
This 6.5 foot, bronze sculpture was donated to the community by Blake and Linda Gall. The piece is reminiscent of the works created during the American Art Deco period of the 1930’s. Mark Pilato, a local artist and celebrated sculptor, created the tall, willowy piece in 2011. It was installed in the stairwell of the cupola in 2012. Its head tilts back to gaze in thought at the weather vane in the cupola above. Find it on the landing between the 1st and 2nd floors. Don’t forget to look up, while you’re there to see the weather vane turn in response to the wind direction.
50th Birthday Mural by Sarah Huffard (2007)
In 2007, former library page and art school student, Sarah Huffard created a vibrant mural with acrylics in the Children’s Department Activity Room. The mural covers an entire wall and features 16 hidden objects from classic children’s literature. Look carefully to find them all!
Check in with the Children's Department for the full list of hidden objects.
Puddles the Cat and Frog and Turtle by Jeanne Sollman-Stevens (2002)
A reclining cat sculpture made of bronze, as well as a turtle and frog lounging stream-side. These sweet animals are commissioned work by Jeanne Solloman-Stevens and were donated by Ed Mattil in memory of young cat-lover Abby Yeagley, who died in 2002.
The Bronze Chess Set by Mark Pilato (1999)
Crafted and donated by artist Mark Pilato in 1999, the bronze chess set was made possible by donations from the community. This beautiful, functional set is a highlight of the Library’s collection and offers the community an entertaining afternoon. The set was originally accompanied by a glass table and cover, but was replaced sometime in the mid-2000s with a wooden table-top game board.
Webster the Bear by Dan Ostermiller (1998)
This sweet young grizzly sculpture cast in bronze was donated by Ed Mattil in memory of Polly Mattil in1998. A naming contest was held in 1999 and won by two children who lived on Webster Drive. Webster is a great favorite of children. Former Children’s Department head, Anita Ditz, encouraged the children to rub his nose and wish for a new Library. In 2002, the community approved the building of a new Library, the power of children’s wishes. Webster’s nose is polished as children continue to wish for new books for the Library.
Illustrations and Original Prints
The Children’s department walls feature original picture book illustrations and prints by 20th and 21st century artists. Featured are:
- Lindsay Barrett George
- Vera Williams
- Will Hillenbrand
- Zacariah Ohora
- Jennifer Mann