This post was originally published July 2013.
Today we have a wonderful example of a user-driven arts program to share with you! Nathan Yeager joins us to discuss a group he started at his local library in Gig Harbor, Washington. I love the fact that his idea was a response to a need in the community – in this case, a lack of creative opportunities for non-professional artists who work during the day when many library programs are typically held. Enjoy! ~ Laura
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and the type of work you do, hobbies and interests you have, etc.?
My name is Nathan Yeager, and professionally I work as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. My hobbies and interests include drawing and painting, reading about art and artistic techniques, foreign language and travel, hiking, kayaking, mushrooms, and hanging out with my wife and kids.
Exterior of Gig Harbor Library in Pierce County, WA.
Can you tell us a bit about the figure drawing group’s background – how did it start?
The town we live in, Gig Harbor, is situated far enough from Seattle to make driving there to attend drawing sessions a little too inconvenient to do on a consistent basis. There are drawing groups in Gig Harbor, but they meet during the day to the exclusion of many day time workers. I imagined that if I were feeling this frustration about the lack of options, there are probably a few other people in the same boat. My first attempt was to contact Michael’s, but they were not interested. By wonderful coincidence, the library is located about a block from where my car was being serviced one morning. With two hours to kill, I went to the library and noticed the large meeting rooms. The librarian had the date booked for me within about five minutes.
What need or want did you see it fulfilling, for yourself, and also for other artists?
Artists need to see other artists at work and talk about the craft. For me, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the community by doing what I love.
Fist sketch by Nathan Yeager.
Why choose a library as a location for your group, as opposed to an art center or community center?
I love libraries. The fact that there is a group of people whose objectives include supporting research, interests, and projects of others is under appreciated generally. The process was very simple, and the staff is very happy to help.
What was the reaction of library staff to the proposed group – “figure drawing” may call to mind subjects being unclothed! Did that come up at all when you were explaining your program?
Good question. My group account is officially named portrait drawing since that was my original intent, but since not many people seem to share the same passion, I broadened the concept. By keeping the models clothed, I do not see there being a conflict.
How integrated is the figure drawing group into the working life of the library – e.g., are staff involved? Do you use library materials (books/DVDs/etc., or supplies) at all, or just the space?
It’s not really integrated at the moment. It would be nice to have additional materials at our disposal such as adjustable lighting and a model stand. I supplement the materials by bringing selections from my own personal library for attendees to browse. I’m a bit of an art instruction book aficionado.
What advice do you have for people who are interested in using their local library as basically a studio space – any hints for how to approach this undertaking?
I get the impression that the staff cannot comment about the purpose granted that it does not conflict legally or with the library’s policy. Do not ask, “Can I use….?” Use the sales approach and say, “I’m interested in starting…, can you help me understand the process for using the meeting room?”
Remember, we all own the library collectively. It is up to us to use and ultimately increase the value and relevance of the institution.
Read more about the figure drawing group at the Gig Harbor library.
Editor’s note: we love the story of how this program came to be because it’s entirely USER driven, responding to a specific community need. We also love this story because it exemplifies what we see as a library’s real strength – the library as a place for open, free artistic opportunities in a supportive, often collaborative creative environment. How does your library support and incubate the arts for those who are not professional artists? We want to hear from you: libraryasincubatorproject@gmail.com
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