Although the new Rinconada Library is not having its grand re-opening until 2015, the doors were opened on November 15 for visitors to see the remodeled interior and exciting outdoor sculptures. The 18-month renovation of the Palo Alto Main Library was designed to upgrade the outdated facility and create visual and artistic links that would better connect the library to the Palo Alto Art Center next door. This connection is largely forged through a new outdoor plaza that features “Brilliance,” a six-piece, interactive installation by artists Blessing Hancock and Joe O’Connell that was commissioned specifically for this space.
The theme of Brilliance is growth and each of the six forms illustrates a different type of growth (e.g., physical, technological) through a mixture of words, shapes and lights. The artists, who collaborate through a group called Creative Machines, developed the words on each piece by meeting with groups of Palo Alto residents who represented the 20 different languages spoken in the community. Each piece has interior LED lights that users can change by pressing a button, which project each form’s messages on the surrounding paved surface.
Brilliance is eye catching and interesting during the day, but truly comes alive at night when the lights capture the words and ideas on each form. The new community room in Rinconada Library has large windows that look out on the plaza and sculptures, creating a dramatic space for a party or evening event. The room will be available for rent once the Library is fully open in early 2015.
Artist Joe O’Connell introduces ‘Brilliance’
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During the event on November 15, the Palo Alto Art Center also dedicated the installation of “Universal Woman,” an 8′ tall bronze sculpture by Nathan Oliveira, an internationally-renowned artist, Stanford professor and local resident who passed away in 2010. Universal Woman was first exhibited at the Art Center as part of a retrospective solo show of Oliveira’s sculptural work in 2008, and was donated by his family so visitors could enjoy it permanently. At the dedication, Nathan’s son Joe Oliveira shared stories about his father and about the sculpture, which was known as “big girl” when it was first completed.
Joe Oliveira was on hand for the dedication of ‘Universal Woman’ by his father, Nathan Oliveira
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- The Rinconada Library is open for visitors during the final stage of construction on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday from 1-5 pm at 1315 Newell Rd
- The Palo Alto Art Center, located right next door at 1313 Newell Road is open for visitors Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. The Art Center is closed on Mondays.
