Arts & Culture Center

WPL welcomes local artists to exhibit their work and community groups to present their organizations in the Arts & Culture Center, located on the first floor of the library.

The purpose of the Arts and Culture Center is to introduce local and regional artists to the public as well as a serve as an informational display space for community partners or upcoming events. 

March Display

Cassandra Swierenga

Face to Face: Exploring the Art of Portraiture

In this portrait series, I explore the many faces of identity through a diverse range of mediums and styles.  From the precise realism of oil painting, to the fluid abstraction of watercolor, each portrait is a window into a unique narrative.   By moving between woodblock printing, encaustic and etching, I invite the viewer to see how a single subject can be transformed; captured not just in likeness, but in the profound range of human expression.

Cassandra Swierenga is a fine art painter based in the Chicago area whose work draws inspiration from the beauty of everyday life.  Working in oils, watercolors and a variety of other mediums, she moves fluidly between realism and abstraction, creating figurative work, landscapes, and still lives.  Her practice is driven by curiosity, continually exploring new techniques and materials to expand her artistic voice.  She is a signature member of the Illinois Watercolor society and a longtime member of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild, where she has served on the board for many years.

Learn more about the artist from her website | Instagram| Facebook 

Woman gazing out the window
Watercolor of a woman's face
Man sitting in a chair near plants

Display Your Artwork

To have your artwork considered for display in the Arts & Culture Center, fill out the application. For more information, contact Bari Ericson at 630-868-7529 or bericson@wheatonlibrary.org.