The community has a new haven of art: the East Shore Area Library. The Library’s third edition of its successful Limelight on Local Artists exhibit is in place through March, giving two local artists the chance to reach new audiences while they brighten the Library walls. 

Limelight on Local Artists premiered in spring 2023. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Lower Paxton Township Arts Council, provides wall and display-case space for local artists to showcase and sell their works. With few of the barriers to exhibits that artists might encounter with galleries, the program helps artists and the arts community expand their circles. 

• Limelight on Local Artists: Meet & Greet Artist Reception, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 13, at East Shore Area Library. Light refreshments, plus alcoholic beverages for attendees aged 21+, will be served. Exhibits hang through the end of March. 

“The library is the hub,” says ESAL Manager Maria Lagasca. “The space is free for aspiring artists to show. It can sometimes cost a lot to display your work at other places. Plus, it doesn’t take long for them to hang their work, but there’s a lot of foot traffic from our Library members who get to view their works.” 

The newest exhibit features the paintings of Reshmi Khatun and the photography and paintings of Dr. Spero Lappas. A Meet & Greet reception is scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 13. 

Reshmi brings a collection of abstract and objective paintings, all sharing her signature bright colors. 

“I want to bring colors to people’s homes and lives through my painting,” she says. Reshmi has always been passionate about painting but has only pursued it extensively since getting married last year and finding inspiration from her husband, who encourages her artistic pursuits. 

Spero Lappas, the well-known attorney and author, is bringing photos from his world travels, local excursions, and two abstract paintings. He has shown his award-winning works in the region’s galleries, courthouses, the WITF Media Center, and the Art Association of Harrisburg. He is delighted to present his first Library show because libraries “play a crucial role in the cultural and artistic life of the community.” 

“I’ve been going to the East Shore Area Library since 1977, and for several months before COVID, I volunteered there,” he says. “I’ve taken my children there and my grandchildren there, so to be included in the cultural life of this Library is very meaningful for me, and I’m grateful.” 

As an unexpected bonus, the exhibits add color and intrigue to the days of Library staff. When it was time for the previous artist, Steve Barber, to take down his work, “they got really, really sad,” Maria says. 

“The art sets a different mood each quarter, which is great,” she says. “Not only does it change the space with the colors and tone, but it definitely evoke a different feeling.” 

Some artists also teach Library art classes, where they have the time and space to explain their techniques in-depth. It’s a chance for residents to express their artistic urges and continue expanding the art community. 

“It’s about sharing,” says Maria. “Art doesn’t have to be siloed. We’re giving artists a chance to say, ‘Let me show you what we do.’” 

The Library has lined up Limelight artists for the whole year. The exhibits have gone so well that Library staff are thinking of ways to add more space, perhaps on the lower level. 

Art builds and strengthens community. Reshmi recently moved to the Harrisburg area for her husband’s new job, and as they settled in, she found art as a pathway to “be a part of this great community and bring to the table my passion.” Already, she has lined up showings of her work this year at Nyeusi Art Gallery, Yellow Bird Café, and the Art Association of Harrisburg, in addition to The Library. 

“I thank Lower Paxton Township Arts Council for selecting my artwork for the Limelight on Local Artists,” she says. “I also thank the East Shore Area Library for hosting the event and organizing everything.”  

Maria originally thought that the Limelight on Local Artists Meet & Greet receptions would attract mostly members of the art community, “but it’s a lot more than that,” she says. “You don’t have to be an artist to be into art, to really feel connected. I don’t consider myself very artsy, but I feel very connected with these artists because they’re in my community. It’s nice to see people following their passions.”