For the 2014 annual art exhibit, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is partnering with the Shawnee branch of the Pioneer Library System to promote literacy.  The title and theme for this year's regional is From Authors to Artists.  The exhibit features over 100 works of art inspired by literature or poetry or art created from books.  All of the artwork was created by Oklahoma artists, most from the Shawnee area. 

"It's a very diverse exhibit," said Donna Merkt, MGMoA curator of education, mentioning that artwork by middle school and high school students is displayed along side work by professional artists.  "Since this exhibit is really about helping others through creativity, it was open to all who wanted to participate."

During the run of the exhibit November 8-23, all visitors can help support literacy by bringing a new or gently used children's book to donate to the Pioneer Library System Shawnee branch.  All of the books will be distributed by the library to area children.  All visitors who bring in a book will be given free admission to this exhibit and to the museum's permanent exhibits.

 From Authors to Artists opens on November 7 at 7:00pm.  The reception is free and open to all.  Visitors are encouraged to bring books to kick off the book drive.  Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art.  The exhibition is sponsored by Allied Arts, Oklahoma Arts Council, Art Works, Avedis Foundation, and the Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Wissinger Memorial Fund.

The Pioneer Library System provides library services to all the communities in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties in Oklahoma. The library system strives to connect the community to the joy of reading and to information for lifelong learning. The library has 11 branches in central Oklahoma, including the branch in Shawnee.  For more information about the library, please visit the website at: www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org.