Southern Oaks Library public art

The Development Office facilitated the process of selecting an artist to create works of public art for the Southern Oaks Library. After an extensive selection process during which the public art committee evaluated 42 proposals from artists from around the country, the committee selected Oklahoma City artist Joe Slack to create sculptures for the library. In September 2012 the statues were installed and the Development Office assisted with promotional materials in conjunction with the grand re-opening of the renovated library and the introduction of the statues. Library staff members have passed along anecdotes and pictures of customers greatly enjoying the sculptures, which depict books and abstract human and animal figures. The works’ overall theme is “Cover to Cover,” illustrating the joy of learning and reading. Joe Slack also agreed to film a video for the “Share Your Story” project where he discussed the positive impact the Metropolitan Library System had on his life and career during and after his childhood struggles with learning disabilities.