Art in the Library

Current Exhibit: Cynthia R. Ballesteros | July through September 2026

Artist Statement: My oil paintings and mixed media works are developed through an iterative process of layering, scraping, and reworking the surface. Compositions often originate from drawings or imagery derived from memory, dreams, or photographic sources. Each work evolves gradually, revealing unforeseen elements that I subsequently examine, refine, and integrate until a sense of resolution is achieved.

The resulting imagery is rooted in the subconscious and is inherently personal and biographical. My practice engages in an ongoing dialogue with art historical traditions, while music serves as a strong influence, shaping both the cadence and emotional tenor of the work. The conceptual underpinnings of a piece frequently emerge only after its completion, reinforcing a process driven as much by intuition as by intention.

This mode of working reflects a lifelong immersion in art-making that began in childhood and continues to inform my approach today.

For any comments or inquires, please email the artist directly at: thiabeats4u@gmail.com.

Art in the Library is an initiative at the Forest Park Public Library that showcases the creativity of local artists, students from District 91 and 209 schools, and not-for-profit groups. This rotating exhibit provides a space for community expression and celebrates the diverse talents of Forest Park and the surrounding areas. If you would like to have your artwork considered for this display, please read the Guidelines and fill out an Interest Form below.

Art Exhibit Guidelines & Structure:

Display areas at the Forest Park Public Library (FPPL) are available for exhibits of framed or mounted art works by local artists, students in District 91 and 209 schools, and not-for-profit groups. The typical exhibit period is three months. Exhibits on display reflect the views of the artist(s) and not the FPPL or the FPPL Board of Trustees. Designated staff members are responsible for determining whether an artist’s work is of a nature, format, and quality appropriate for the display area. The library will publicize the exhibit on the library’s website and social media outlets.

Any community member, student, or group interested in displaying art at the library can fill out an Interest Form below. Before you complete the form, carefully review the following guidelines and regulations:

Expectations and Requirements – The exhibit is limited to the designated display areas of the FPPL. The work must be framed, mounted, or otherwise prepared by the artist for hanging on the hooks provided by the library. No modification of the library facility is permitted for the installation of an exhibit. No additional exhibit space is permitted. Please read this document for specific size limitations and hanging instructions.
Exhibit Period – Artists are responsible for arranging drop off and pick up of their artwork with library staff. The exhibit must be assembled during the first week of the exhibit period and the items are expected to remain on display until the last week of the exhibit period. The library and the artist will determine the dates and times for the exhibit to be set up and taken down. Library staff may dispose of artwork not picked up thirty days after the exhibit period.
Sales – Prices of the artwork may not be displayed in the exhibit. The library will not act as the artist’s agent in the sale of his/her work. The artist may provide a list of the art works, including the price and the artist’s contact information, which will be kept at the Info Desk and made available to library patrons upon request.
Library Regulations – The library reserves the right to refuse the use of the exhibit areas to anyone whose exhibit is disruptive of library functions. The library reserves the right to withdraw the privilege of the use of exhibit areas. The Forest Park Public Library and its staff assume no responsibility for the preservation, protection, insurance, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed.

Interest Form

If you would like to have your artwork considered for this display, please complete this Interest Form. As a part of this Form, you will be asked to upload a signed and completed copy of the FPPL Art Waiver. Completion of this Form does not guarantee exhibit space.