The Main Library Gallery at the University of Iowa Libraries welcomes visitors to go “behind the podium” in its new exhibition about local orchestra conductor James Dixon (1928–2007). Free and open to the public, Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon opened on Jan. 20 and will be on display through JuneContinue reading “Iowa conductor James Dixon honored in new Main Library Gallery exhibition”
Author Archives: Sara J. Pinkham
Curator Q&A with Giselle Simón
Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education, the fall 2025 exhibition in the Main Library Gallery, features an array of unique items from University of Iowa Libraries collections that share the history of paper technologies and movable books. Giselle Simón, university conservator and director of Conservation and Collections Care at the Libraries, co-curated the exhibition with Damien Ihrig and Elizabeth Yale. Her expertise in paper conservation andContinue reading “Curator Q&A with Giselle Simón”
Curator Q&A with Damien Ihrig
Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education, the fall 2025 exhibition in the Main Library Gallery, features an array of unique items from University of Iowa Libraries collections that share the history of paper technologies and movable books. A significant number of books on display are from the John Martin Rare Book Room at HardinContinue reading “Curator Q&A with Damien Ihrig”
Students investigate: examining paper technology and cultural trends through paper dolls
This series features the work and research of UI students. The following was written by Cecil Campbell, exhibition and engagement student lead for the Main Library Gallery. Everyone can relate to the experience of playing with toys as a little kid. Whether Barbie dolls or action figures, dump trucks or Hot Wheels, the toys weContinue reading “Students investigate: examining paper technology and cultural trends through paper dolls”
Interactive exhibition features rare movable books and paper technology
The Main Library Gallery at the University of Iowa Libraries (UI Libraries) welcomes visitors to experience a stunning exhibition of rare movable books and paper objects this fall. Free and open to the public, Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education opened on Aug. 25 and will be on display through Dec. 19, 2025. PaperContinue reading “Interactive exhibition features rare movable books and paper technology”
‘Hawkeye Histories’ at home
The fall 2024 Main Library Gallery exhibition, Hawkeye Histories | Sporting Stories, is now available to view online. Click here to view the accessible version of this interactive content The virtual tour is a self-paced journey through the exhibition. It features 360° photos of the Main Library Gallery, which allow the viewer to move from areaContinue reading “‘Hawkeye Histories’ at home”
Cecil Campbell joins Main Library Gallery team
The University Libraries is excited to welcome Cecil Campbell as the first exhibition and engagement student lead for the Main Library Gallery. This new student position was created to be a key member of the gallery’s team. Cecil will assist with a little bit of everything, including exhibition preparation and installation, campus and community outreach,Continue reading “Cecil Campbell joins Main Library Gallery team”
Bringing exhibitions to life: behind the scenes of ‘A Roll of the Dice’ with designer Lauren Coghlan
By Sara J. Pinkham and Krista Hershberger As the creative coordinator for the University of Iowa Libraries, Lauren Coghlan manages visual design across all seven libraries, creating everything from print materials to signage. As an artist, Lauren is always especially excited about one of the more unique challenges of the job: creating the look andContinue reading “Bringing exhibitions to life: behind the scenes of ‘A Roll of the Dice’ with designer Lauren Coghlan “
Main Library Gallery seeking 2027–2028 exhibit proposals
The Main Library Gallery at the University of Iowa Libraries is now seeking exhibition proposals for spring 2027, fall 2027, spring 2028, and fall 2028. Iowa faculty and staff from all areas of expertise are invited to submit initial statements of interest for consideration during round one of the selection process through April 7, 2025.Continue reading “Main Library Gallery seeking 2027–2028 exhibit proposals”
A Roll of the Dice: new Main Library Gallery exhibit explores one poem’s worldwide influence
The Main Library Gallery’s spring 2025 exhibition, A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive, highlights a series of captivating artworks from the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry. From laser-etched plexiglass panels hanging from the ceiling to a knit sweater with real dice for buttons, the artworks coverContinue reading “A Roll of the Dice: new Main Library Gallery exhibit explores one poem’s worldwide influence”