Theme III: The Once & Future Library

In May 2000 the Art Committee (chaired by Art Department faculty member Jack Flam and charged with selecting some $350,000 worth of art for the new building) began considering the work of various Brooklyn artists. (Thanks to the leadership of committee member and Archivist Anthony Cucchiara, the committee determined that the new Library would not be used as a gallery, but rather as a permanent exhibition of works reflective of Brooklyn and its many ethnically diverse communities.) About $15,000 will be used for framing and mounting works that are already owned by the College. The remainder will be split into two packages: two-thirds will be used to purchase two or three major works by well-known artists, and the remainder will be spent on works by lesser-known artists. (Unfortunately, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York's rather antiquated view of what constitutes art prevents the selection of certain modern works which incorporate equipment and other free-standing elements.) Associate Librarian for Research and Access Services Miriam Deutch also serves on the Art Committee.