Since she took over as the executive director of the North Bergen Free Public Library almost two years ago, Sai Rao has been looking for ways to expand its horizons.
"We wanted to make the library more than just a place of learning," Rao said. "It’s more than just books and research material. We wanted to make the library a place to find culture and art as well. We hadn’t really focused on the culture, until now."
About a year ago, Rao was able to secure a $3,500 grant from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/County Partnership Program, in cooperation with the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. This enabled Rao to research the possibilities of hosting the library’s first-ever art exhibit.
Earlier this month, the library, located at 8411 Bergenline Ave., began an exhibit of works by Hispanic artists that will run through Oct. 27.
The exhibit, titled "Hispanic Art for the New Millennium," features the works of two well-respected and prominent Hispanic artists from the North Hudson area, Anna Yglesias of Weehawken and Raul Villareal of Union City.
Yglesias is the curator for the exhibit, and her colorful works are created on objects such as boxes, furniture and even pencils. Villareal is an expressionist who works on canvas, displaying deep emotions and ideas in his paintings. The two contrast in their artistic styles and form a unique exhibit of Hispanic flavor and heritage.
"We researched local artists and found Anna and Raul," Rao said. "It was almost natural to have them featured in our first exhibit. They are both very talented and we wanted to get artists who were well recognized."
Rao is amazed at the talents of the two artists. "Anna’s work is absolutely beautiful," Rao said. "They’re bright and colorful. The colors really hit you. Raul has different strokes and lines and you can definitely see where he’s coming from. They were both excellent artists to start our exhibits with."
Rao said that the library’s patrons have been excited about the new, albeit temporary, décor that the artists’ works bring. "I think the public is very appreciative of having an art exhibit in the library," Rao said. "Not everyone is a reader and there are a lot of people who don’t have children who would regularly use the library. This exhibit is bringing in a new community, bringing in new patrons that we never saw before. It’s also brought in an older generation. That’s very exciting for us."
Rao tried to find the best location in the building for the exhibit and decided to feature the works on the spacious stairwell for people to observe as they walk from the main floor to the research lab one floor below.
"As people walk down the stairs, they get a great view of all the artwork," Rao said. "It really has turned out well."
Rao is already planning for future art exhibits. "I think this is just the tip of the iceberg," Rao said. "I know that there will be more to come. We want to offer different services like this, so we can open our doors to many more people. I don’t think we’ve tapped those services just yet, but this was a great start."
Rao said that she is still impressed with the exhibit, even after two weeks. "It really gives off a sense of expression," Rao said. "I have to tell you that I keep passing it, even for two seconds, and it is really something to see."
Hispanic Art for the New Millennium will continue its run at the North Bergen Free Public Library, 8411 Bergenline Avenue, through Oct. 27. For more information, call 869-4715.