As part of the Wellesley Free Library’s (WFL) mission of serving as an educational and cultural center in the community, the WFL provides space for displays and exhibits of art. The displays also provide an opportunity to showcase local talent to the community.
The Wellesley Free Library accepts applications for exhibit space from groups and individuals residing in Massachusetts; or working or attending school in the Town of Wellesley. Applications are reviewed by the Wellesley Free Library Art Review Committee and Assistant Director on a rolling basis for acceptance. Bookings are made for the current or next calendar year based on available space. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Selection to exhibit and assignment of space is made at the discretion of the Committee and the Assistant Director. The decision of the Committee and the Assistant Director is final.
Exhibitors who have been accepted will receive an email confirming their acceptance to exhibit at the Wellesley Free Library and the assigned date of their exhibit. Following acceptance of the assigned date by the artist , the Library will send a confirmation letter detailing dates for installation and removal of the exhibit.
Before making a repeat request for exhibit space, applicants must wait a year from the date of their most recent exhibit and cannot have multiple exhibits within a 24-month period unless the Library’s exhibit space has not been filled. Follow-up exhibits should contain new works rather than works previously exhibited at the Wellesley Free Library.
The primary purpose of exhibits is to provide a showcase for local talent. Professional photographers and artists are welcome to apply but the purpose of the exhibit, however, cannot solely be to attract new clients. Exhibits will be declined if they are determined to be solely of a commercial nature.
The content of an exhibit should be suitable for patrons of all age groups and not of a nature that could discourage patrons from using the library or cause disruption of Library services. Exhibits should support the mission, vision and values of the WFL. The Director and/or designee may remove any exhibit item at any time that does not meet these content guidelines.
Exhibits may include printed materials provided by the exhibitor describing how displayed materials may be purchased and their cost. Such printed material should be neatly displayed in a location designated by the Library and maintained by the exhibitor. The Library requires that 10% of proceeds be contributed to the Library. Exhibitors or their agents must be present if a sold item is to be retrieved from an exhibit. Exhibitors or their agents may not transact any additional sale or commercial business related to the exhibit on Library property.
Receptions may be held in association with exhibits displayed in the Wakelin Room only, and the receptions must take place in the Wakelin Room. Refreshments for receptions are provided at the expense of the Exhibitor. Room reservations for exhibit-related receptions and presentations must be booked in accordance with the WFL Meeting Room Policy. There is no meeting room charge for a reception or exhibit-related presentation. A reception or exhibit-related presentation will be limited to a maximum of 2 hours. The Wakelin Room must remain open to the public during a reception. Exhibitors requesting use of the James E. Mahoney Foyer display space may not hold a reception.
All exhibitor publicity regarding the exhibit is solely the responsibility of the exhibitor and must not imply that the WFL has endorsed or otherwise recommended exhibited material. Mention of the WFL in publicity must be limited to stating viewing dates, times, and location. The WFL may, in its discretion, publicize the exhibit, in which case the WFL reserves the right to determine appropriate means and content of any and all WFL publicity for the exhibit.
Neither the Wellesley Free Library nor the Town of Wellesley is liable for any damage, loss, disappearance or theft of any artwork, exhibit item or any other part of an exhibit or any financial damages or bodily harm caused by, or related to, an exhibit. The exhibitor assumes all risks.
The exhibitor or a responsible party representing the exhibitor must sign the application and assume responsibility for compliance with this policy. Penalties for non-compliance may include, but are not limited to, immediate termination of the exhibit, permanent banning from exhibiting, and/or payment for damages.
The attached Appendix A provides guidelines for the exhibitor.
The attached Appendix B describes the areas in the main library where artwork and/or exhibits may be displayed.
In the event of any ambiguity, the Director’s interpretation of these regulations shall prevail subject to the final decision of the Board of Library Trustees.
| Space | Description |
|---|---|
| 1st Floor Main Library | |
| Wakelin Meeting Room | 76’ x 5’ high on east, south and north walls, picture rail, no spotlights, beige vinyl background |
| James E. Mahoney Foyer | 30’ x 6’ high, picture rail, spotlights, convex curved cherry wood paneling, 33 ft. long |
| EXHIBIT CASES | |
| 1st Floor Main Library | |
| Book Display Area | One 3’ wide x 4’ high x 1’ deep lighted, locked glass-front display case |
| Jackie’s Computer Room | Two 2’ wide x 5’ high x 8” deep, locked, glass-front display cases |
| Commons Entrance | Two 2’ wide x 6.5’ high x 8” deep, lighted, locked, glass double-sided display cases |
| Commons Adjacent to Fish Tank | 4’ wide x 5’ high x 14.5” deep, lighted, locked, glass-front display case |
| Commons Back Wall | 3.25’ wide x 5.75’ high x 8” deep, lighted, locked, glass-front display case |
Notwithstanding the above, this policy may be subject to exception at the discretion of the Director and/or Board of Library Trustees.
Revised and approved 10/08/2024 by the WFL Board of Trustees
My Account