Pequot Library’s Art Show was founded in 1998 by patrons Harry and Enid Munroe, pictured above. Since its inception, the fundraiser, run by a committee of dedicated volunteers, gathers members of the community together and furthers the Library’s mission to bring literature, music, art and the humanities to its patrons. Each year, the non-competitive show features over 200 pieces of art by more than 100 gifted artists, whose participation and talent helps make the Art Show such a success for Pequot Library.
The show’s outstanding reputation has drawn in distinguished artists such as Ian Falconer, Albert Hadley, Jak Kovatch, Bob Ledoux, Carole McClintock and Enid Munroe.  Each year the Art Show Committee reaches out to local galleries and arts organizations to invite those talented artists to showcase their work in our Show.  This has served to bring the already high-quality art of the Show to a new level.  All artists are encouraged to enter the show – call us at (203)259-0346 x 13 or email at artshow@pequotlibrary.org for entry information.

Restored in 2006, the Perkin Gallery is the home of the Art Show’s featured artist or gallery.  The featured work helps to highlight that year’s theme and bring a fresh artistic perspective to each show.  Featured in previous Art Shows are The Cooley Gallery of Old Lyme, the Cavalier Galleries of Greenwich and Nantucket, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking of Norwalk and the Joel Oppenheimer Natural History Art Gallery of Chicago and Charleston.

 The Art Show quickly became one of Pequot Library’s most anticipated annual fundraising events and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Friday night Opening Reception & Preview gives PLA members and patrons a first glimpse of the exceptional art exhibited in the Show, while various cultural programs add another dimension to the Show. Particularly popular are our art workshops for children, where children learn about the art that is in the show and the various techniques used, and then get to try their hand at creating a masterpiece of their own, to be displayed in the Library. 

It is not only the phenomenal art and programming that draws crowds to the Art Show, but also their dedication and commitment to the Library that touches the lives of all who walk through its doors.