For Immediate Release
December 16, 2008
Contacts:
Viola Coleman 703-324-8300

Art in the Pages team recognized by Library

""Fairfax, VA –At the December 16th Board meeting, a Team Award was presented by Foundation Chair, Alvah Beander to Fairfax Library Foundation staff for coordinating “Art in the Pages,” the first public art sculpture project in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax.  A certificate signed by Library Director, Edwin S. Clay, III and a Team Award lapel pin was given to team members James S. Hill, Administrative Assistant; Martina M. Murphy, Finance & Resource Manager, and Roberta A. Longworth, Executive Director.  The nomination, submitted by Library Marketing Director, Mary Mulrenan, reads as follows:

The Fairfax Library Foundation staff, with the support of Board Directors, planned and implemented the public art sculpture project “Art in the Pages.”  This unique, creative project inspired by the Board of Supervisors who encourages art-related projects in the county required raising money to fund sculptures and placing the sculptures throughout Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax.  Although raising money is part of the foundation’s mission, this project went well beyond that as the money they raised first had to pay for the creation of 4 foot high statues.

The following duties also went well beyond their regular duties:

  1. Finding a trucking company willing to transport 31 statues all across the county’
  2. Delivering the statues in all weather conditions and at all times of the day and night’
  3. Locating artists and a temporary ‘artists’ studio’ where the sculptures could be painted
  4. Finding ways to repair statues that began to come undone due to extreme conditions
  5. The staff stepping into do the coordination after the early in the project resignation of the project management consultant
  6. Cleaning and decorating the former City of Fairfax Library so it would be suitable for a reception for donors.  (This required some maintenance and moving of heavy objects/furniture, such as bookshelves, etc…)

This project benefitted the library in the following ways: raised funds for the library; generated publicity about the sculptures and thus the library system; raised the awareness of the Fairfax Library Foundation which will likely result in additional fundraising that will support library programs and services; and also met the goals of the Board of Supervisors.

Fairfax County Public Library Foundation, Inc., doing business as Fairfax Library Foundation, is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to providing supplementary support to the Fairfax County Public Library. The Foundation, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the library, serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to enhance library services for our community.