Sale Of Painting To Fund West Side Library Expansion

CHICAGO — A valuable painting will be sold through auction to fund the expansion of a library on Chicago's West Side, the city announced Monday. The funds will transform the Legler Branch Library at 115 S. Pulaski into a regional library. The city's North and South Sides have regional libraries, but the West Side hasn't had one in more than four decades.

The painting's sale will fund more programs and services at the library for people of all ages and extend its hours of operation. It will also fund West Side collections that highlight local culture.

The Kerry James Marshall painting, "Knowledge & Wonder," could be valued at between $10 and $20 million, the city said. The painting is owned by the City of Chicago, and its proceeds will also be used to create the city's first-ever permanent public art fund for under-served communities, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

“Kerry James Marshall is helping not only to write the next chapter in the history of Chicago Public Library, his work will go directly towards supporting the West Side of Chicago,” the mayor said in a statement. “With this investment, Legler will become a vital community anchor for families to gather, students to get homework help and job-seekers to connect with life-changing opportunities.”

Other Legler library improvements will include the addition of multiple community and study spaces, new lighting and building systems, accessibility improvements, and parking lot and security enhancements.

“While it is a difficult decision to part with an artwork, we see this as an opportunity to initiate new art projects in every corner of this city,” said Mark Kelly, special events commissioner for the Department of Cultural Affairs. “We will make it a priority to produce projects in communities that currently have less access to public art and to engage the youth in their creation and installation.”

The current early learning play space will be transformed into a brand new children’s library, the city said. The YOUmedia space for teens will also be expanded to include a state-of-the-art sound studio.

Legler will also serve as the first CPL location to introduce an “Artist in Residence” studio, which will be named in honor of artist Kerry James Marshall, the city said. The studio will host a community artist who will develop art projects and host adult, teen and family arts programs.

The Legler library opened in 1920 and served as the system’s first regional library until 1977, when it was closed for repairs and reopened as a traditional branch library.

Top image via Google Maps Streetview