(Tucson, AZ) Last year, PCPL hosted a library card design contest featuring art that captured the seasons of Pima County. More than 400 submissions were received and it was quite the challenge to narrow it down to the finalists, of which 128 were chosen. From there, six pieces of art were selected for limited-edition library cards. The Library wishes to thank everyone who participated and to congratulate the six winners. Information about the artists' inspiration and artwork is below.
These cards are now available at any library location, while supplies last. But, perhaps more importantly... library staff hope this offers a fun and unique way for those who don't yet have a card to go out, get one, and start taking advantage of all the library has to offer! What better way to start a library journey than with a beautiful limited-edition card?!
Visit this page to view the art and stay tuned for information about an artist's reception in the near future.
Congrats, Chelsea Lindholm!
- Title: The Strolling Saguaro and the Looming 'Soon
- Medium: Digital art via Procreate
What inspired you to create this piece?
When I think of Pima County seasons, monsoons are my first thought. A typical Arizona transplant, I find myself missing deciduous seasons like fall, but monsoon season here in the desert scratches that itch. Seeing a distant wall of dark blue-grey clouds to the south instantly builds anticipation for flashes of lightning and breaks of thunder. Though the downpour may be brief, monsoons bring greenery and vibrancy to a sun-tired desert, and blooms erupt from happy cacti. My strolling saguaro may get caught by the storm, but he'll continue to grow and benefit from the life-giving rain year after year.
Congrats, Debbie Gallerani!
- Title: Tucson or Bust
- Medium: Mixed media paper & acrylics
What inspired you to create this piece?
I decided to create a series of bright and amusing scenes with the mid-century modern desert animals I have been currently drawing. As a big fan of road trips, I found it fitting to have oh-so-cool Coyote, and super chill Mountain Lion hop into their retro turquoise convertible to cruise the Sonoran Desert and enjoy the spectacular sights.
I would love to join them, wouldn't you?
Congrats, Ed Flores!
- Title: San Xavier Mission: After the Monsoon
- Medium: Photography
What inspired you to create this piece?
I visited the San Xavier del Bac Mission with a friend who was relocating from Tucson. Since she had never been there before, she invited me to join her, and I happily brought my camera to take some pictures of the mission for her.
While we were exploring, it started to rain, so we decided to wait it out. As the storm cleared, the clouds began to part, revealing a beautiful scene. Awestruck, it took a moment for me to realize I had a camera with me, so I quickly snapped a few photos before the clouds completely slipped away. We were so fortunate that we were able to be a witness to the beauty we had just seen.
Congrats, Tracy Ann Holmes!
- Title: Summer Monsoon
- Medium: Watercolor
What inspired you to create this piece?
I love the amazing clouds that boil and build on hot summer afternoons. They build until they can no longer contain the water and electricity explodes in light and sheets of water. Add to that the stunning sunsets and you have an amazing show!
Congrats Sierra Lauman!
- Title: Neighborhood Stories
- Medium: Digital
What inspired you to create this piece?
From thundering rains to bright summer days, to fields of wildflowers, there's always something to admire in the desert throughout the year. Equally as beautiful is the wildlife that thrives in this landscape. Taken together, the stories and images that are woven from this imagery are second to none. It's thoughts of these surroundings, as well as the fantasy of being able to share stories with the local wildlife, that inspired this piece.
Congrats, Jane Madsen
- Title: Jackrabbit in Spring Colors
- Medium: Machine embroidery
What inspired you to create this piece?
I am inspired by the animals and plants of our beautiful desert, and the jackrabbit is one of my favorites. I decorated this jackrabbit with the brightly colored flowers, cactus and plants of the desert, as he rests next to a majestic saguaro. I would love to remind people of the delicate ecosystem the jackrabbit thrives in.
