Found Art in PVCC’s Betty Sue Jessup Library
Imagine the mixture of curiosity and apprehension you feel as you see an open book with illustrations literally popping from its pages. Attached to it is a note.
Your heart quickens with excitement as you realize it is the work of a generous gifted artist who leaves it for its finder to cherish, with one request: “You can keep me, trade me, gift me or leave me for the next fabulous individual to find. I hope I have made your day! And please consider ‘arting it forward’ by creating another anonymous art piece and leaving it for someone to find.”
Your mind flashes back, remembering the news blurbs about the Anonymous Art Gift Project in other places, towns and cities.
With trembling hands and a quick pace, you carefully transport it to share with your co-workers, and the rest of Piedmont Virginia Community College’s inhabitants.
Avie Thacker, Technical Services Supervisor for PVCC’s Betty Sue Jessup Library, felt just this way. She was making her rounds through the library one recent afternoon, and as she walked past the study carrels, the characters leaping off its pages caught her eye.
She found an altered book created from a 1943 publication. Tales of a Russian Grandmother was written by Frances Carpenter and illustrated by Ivan Bilibine.
The library is working with Art Professor Beryl Solla to have the delicate piece of work conserved and mounted for display in the library for all to enjoy. Display arrangements have not been completed.
