LO Reads 2021

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This Exhibit Has Ended
The Lake Oswego Public Library has selected Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson as the 2021 book for its award-winning citywide reading program, Lakewood will participate with a virtual online art show with the artists on Monday, February 1, 2021, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, a recent New York Times top ten bestseller, is an extraordinary book that compares caste systems throughout our global history. It outlines how caste systems have helped perpetuate social customs and legislation that subvert the quest for equality in society. Wilkerson details the manner in which all caste systems “relied on stigmatizing those deemed inferior to justify the dehumanization necessary to keep the lowest-ranked people at the bottom and to rationalize the protocols of enforcements.”

For a list of the 42 books the committee read and considered this year, go to www.ci.oswego.or.us/loreads/books-considered-2021.

What is LO Reads?
The Lake Oswego Public Library has been recognized by national organizations, such as U.S. Conference of Mayors, for this immersive program that encourages all members of the community to read the same book, discuss its message, and celebrate an atmosphere of learning amongst all age groups. This will be the program’s 15th year and all events will be free thanks to financial support from the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library, Lake Oswego Rotary Club, and the Lake Oswego Review.

All pieces are within 16″ x 20″ per the project requirement.

LO Reads Exhibit Process

The artists receive the books in early fall and create a piece of artwork inspired by the book by December. The group of artists get together in early December to share ideas and explain their work to each other. The artists then present their work to the public in February explaining their thought process, technique and what resonated for them about the book. The exhibit tours the state from March through early December. The artists are responsible for transporting and hanging the work in the various facilities throughout the year. This allows other libraries to conduct their own book groups and dialogue about the same book. The artists chosen for the LO Reads Exhibit are professional artists, have a medium and/or style that is unique from everyone else in the exhibit and follow through on their commitments. The artists may use a different style or medium from what they usually work in. The artwork is created to specific size requirements and must be professionally framed. If an artist is interested in joining the LO Reads Artist Exhibition, please send 5 images, art resume and artist statement to janrimerman@gmail.com.

Schedule a Tour
The exhibit can be viewed in-person by appointment at the Lakewood Center for the Arts Entryway Gallery from January 25, 2020 – March 1, 2021. To schedule a visit, email center.info@lakewood-center.org or call (503) 635-3901 weekdays between 12 and 2 PM.

This Exhibit Has Ended

2021 LO Reads Traveling Show

The LO Reads Art Exhibit travels around the state each year so that other libraries can use the art while they are reading the LO Reads book. This year the exhibit will be at the Lakewood Center for 2 months for the LO Library is still closed to the public.

Please invite your friends in the hosting communities to take a look at the strong and intriguing artwork generated by Isabel Wilkerson’s book, Caste.

Feb & March-Lakewood Center
April-Scio Library
May-Stayton Library
June-Oregon City Library
July & August-Sandy Library
Sept.-Silver Falls Library
Oct.-Watzek Library Lewis & Clark College
Nov.-Wilsonville Library
Dec.-Purchased pieces will be available for purchasers

In early December all purchasers of the 2021 LO Reads Exhibition will be notified and your artwork will be available for you. Thank you for supporting the LO Reads Program & the participating artists.