James Prendergast Library and Art Gallery - Jamestown, New York
Posted by: Szuchie
N 42° 05.875 W 079° 14.614
17T E 645242 N 4662140
Welcome to the James Prendergast Library and Art Gallery in downtown Jamestown, New York!
Waymark Code: WM36M3
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 02/18/2008
Views: 59
According to the Library/Art Gallery's website:
Prendergast Library has two art galleries. One houses the permanent collection, and the other displays changing exhibits by local or regional artists.
Prendergast Library provides an exhibit space for local and regional artists to display their work. It also allows area residents to view art works without traveling long distances to major cities. An application form for artists interested in exhibiting is available at the Reference Desk.
The smaller gallery of changing exhibits offers nine shows each year of work in varied media such as paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, artist's books, and miniatures. Some of the shows are by individual artists, and others feature the work of groups. Most exhibits run five weeks and open with a reception from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. There is no charge to view the exhibits, but donations are appreciated.
(....)
The James Prendergast Library was a gift to the city from Alexander Prendergast, the city founder's son and his wife, Mary. They commissioned the building in memory of their son, James Prendergast, who died in 1879 at the age of 31. The library was completed at a cost of $60,000 and was furnished with an art gallery at a cost of $45,000. It opened December 1, 1891 and contained 8,666 volumes.
The original building occupied an entire city block and was constructed by architect A.J. Warner of Rochester. The rounded arches, Medina sandstone exterior, turret on the SE corner and general air of ruggedness label it as Richardsonian Romanesque. Following Mary Prendergast's instructions, the stone steps leading to the building from Fifth Street were cut from a single stone "...to eliminate the havoc that frost works with masonry in this climate."
As library services and use increased, extensive alterations and additions were planned. These were completed in 1960 and the original building now houses the Art Gallery, offices, meeting rooms and storage space. The former Reading Room holds the permanent art collection and contains the original oak fittings and red tile fireplace.
In 1960, the library joined and became the major central library of the two-county regional Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. In 1964, the library's public services were moved to a new addition, whose entrance is on Cherry Street. Much of the original space is occupied by the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. Other major building additions were completed in 1968 and 1978.
Name: James Prendergast Library and Art Gallery
Location: 509 Cherry St.
Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone Number: 716.484.7135
Web Site: [Web Link]
Agency/Ownership: Public
Hours of operation: Monday 10am-8:30pm
Tuesday 10am-8:30pm
Wednesday 10am-5:00pm
Thursday 10am-8:30pm
Friday 10am-8:30pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday Closed
Admission Fee: 0
Gift Shop: Not Listed
Cafe/Restaurant: Not Listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Post one photo of the museum that is a different view from the one on the page, and describe your visit. Add any additional information that you may have about this building. A GPSr photo is NOT required.