Tash Mahnokaren
Staff Writer
The Idaho State University Eli M. Oboler Library has been displaying art in the art exhibit area on the library’s first floor for the past twelve years.
“I think it might have been me,” said reference librarian Kristi Austin playfully when asked about how this idea came about to display art in this area.
The art currently on display at the library is an exhibit of oil paintings by Scott Berger, which are also available for purchase.
Berger developed a passion for drawing and painting at a tender age.
During his childhood, Berger’s mother supported him in pursing various mediums in drawing and painting, which he continued throughout high school and into adulthood.
After serving in the military, Berger went on to pursue a college education and rekindled his passion for art.
“I think it’s really exciting for students to have something to look at instead of just sitting and studying all the time” said Austin. “It’s just sort of a mental break.”
Berger’s art display went up in the beginning of November.
Art exhibits put up at the library are usually kept for about three months at a time.
Berger, who holds no prior affiliation to ISU, owns a studio in the Willard Arts Center in Idaho Falls.
“I met him there and saw his art there and that’s what made me decide that he should have an exhibit here,” said Austin.
Berger’s oil paintings capture the form of realism, including portraits, landscapes, street scenes and maritime subjects in vibrant hues and startling clarity.
Austin’s office being conveniently located in the area where Berger’s art is displayed allows her to overhear many of the comments made by the people who come to view the exhibit.
The response of viewers according to Austin has been “overwhelmingly positive” out of all the exhibits that the library has had.
“Most of the recent ones have been very positive but this one in particular really seems to grab people,” said Austin of past exhibits and Berger’s current display.
In the past ten to twelve years the library has pursued the talents of a variety of individuals to display their art in the library.
“We’ve had about four or five students and we’d like to get more,” said Austin, “We haven’t had much from the faculty and I would love to get some from them to show.”
Getting students to agree to display their art is one concern.
Another concern is that while Berger’s exhibit consists of 32 paintings up for display at the library, most students do not have a collection this large.
Recently, Austin has also ventured to get a photographer from ISU to display his work at the library.
The photographer was also short on work and will probably put up an exhibit later in the year.
