The Cape Girardeau Public Library presents art exhibitions and displays collections for the benefit of the community. The purpose of exhibitions and displays in the library is to provide public access to art, culture, and ideas, while providing flexible spaces for emerging and established artists, collectors, and organizations to showcase their work and/or collections. All display areas are open during the library’s regular hours. Admission is free.
Anyone is welcome to apply to exhibit artwork or display collections in the library. Applications for exhibiting artwork or displaying collections are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. The library shall have final decision on the content and arrangement of all exhibitions and displays. The library reserves the right to reject any exhibition or display, in whole or in part, which it deems at its sole discretion to be unsuitable based upon local community and library standards.
All applications for exhibits must include an age-appropriate recommendation as required by 15 CSR 30-200.015 of Missouri State Regulations. Any promotions posted by the Library or the artist must include this age-appropriate recommendation. Additionally, the public has the right to challenge or object to the age-appropriate designation assigned to an art exhibit. Members of the public can file official objections by filling out a Request for Reconsideration form. See the Library’s Request for Reconsideration policy for more information.
The areas available to the public for exhibitions and displays are:
- The walls of the Geraldine Hirsch Community Room
- The lobby display cases
- Other areas of the library, as deemed acceptable by the Cape Girardeau Public Library Director.
Artists cannot conduct sales or advertise works for sale at the library. They may supply their name and contact information, in case interested parties want to contact them and discuss sale conditions.
Exhibition pieces must remain on display for the full duration of the event. An artist cannot rotate pieces during their exhibition time without prior approval from library staff.
An artist’s work is covered by the artist’s own insurance and is displayed at their own risk.
Any exhibitor’s artwork or collection will not be reviewed by the Library until the exhibitor has completed and submitted an Exhibit Application and Art Display Agreement. Failure to follow the rules as laid out in this policy may result in refusal to work with an artist in the future.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on August 24, 2017. Amended 04/10/2021; Amended 06/06/2023.