Paintings by Philadelphia's Henry Crane are part of a display created by the artist using the historic announcement stands in the Art Department. All paintings were created in the library itself over a period of three years for a project that culminated in the publication of two books. Stop by all through February and March to see Crane's astonishingly detailed work and to browse physical copies of Late in the Years and People I've Seen. 

These paintings were created inside this library using the free materials available to me: the scrap paper to take notes and protect my hand from my drawings, the wide and balanced tables, the books for reference images and inspiration, the water fountain to clean my brushes and fill my paint cup, and the scanner. I credit the creation of both my books in large part to the calm atmosphere of the Free Library. I want to thank the librarians, guards, and all staff who welcomed and trusted me to bring my materials into the space. Without their support I do not believe these books would have been created within the 3 years it took to produce them. Considering how unsure I was at one time if these paintings would ever receive much appreciation or recognition, I am humbled and surprised to see these images now hanging feet away from the desks I first sketched them on. While these paintings are an exhibit of my creativity, they also display the potential any artist has of creating artwork using the resources provided by this space. - Henry Crane.

Image: Detail of one of two vertical displays with paintings by Henry Crane.