By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
On July 31 at 5:30 p.m., the San Benito Public Library opened its doors to a special celebration: the Library Staff Art Exhibit. The showcase highlights the hidden creative talents of the people who work behind the scenes at the library every day.
“The idea originated from a casual conversation where a few staff members mentioned their creative hobbies,” said Library Director Augustin Carrera. “I quickly realized that many of our team members express themselves through various forms of art, such as painting, photography, digital design, and more. It felt like a natural extension of our library’s creative environment to provide these talents with a platform.”
The exhibit reveals a side of the staff that many may not expect. Carrera said it “shows that our team is not only passionate about literacy and learning, but also deeply creative and multi-talented. The exhibit reveals the heart and individuality behind the people who serve our community every day. It adds a personal layer to the work we do.”
The spark for the project came during a staff meeting. Carrera said, “The idea of showcasing internal talent felt exciting and meaningful, especially since we always encourage our patrons to share their creativity during our arts and crafts class. It only made sense to do the same ourselves.”
Staff enthusiasm has been strong. Carrera said, “Many have said it’s empowering to be seen in a different light.” Public response has been positive as well. He said, “The public, upon hearing about it, has been equally supportive on social media. Many will be surprised and impressed to learn about the hidden talents of their local library staff.”
The range of artwork has been a surprise. Carrera said, “Some of our quietest team members revealed incredible artistic skill. The range of mediums and styles from traditional painting to mixed media was also unexpected.”
Visitors had the chance to hear directly from the artists during the opening. Each staff member introduced their piece and shared what inspired them. Afterward, guests chatted one-on-one with the creators while touring the exhibit. Light refreshments helped set a relaxed, welcoming tone.
Carrera said he hopes the exhibit inspires the community. “We want visitors to see that creativity lives everywhere, even in their local library. We also want them to feel inspired to explore their creative sides and to see the library as a hub not only for information but for expression and community connection.”
The event aligns closely with the library’s mission. Carrera said, “The library has always been a space for learning, sharing, and celebrating ideas. This exhibit reinforces our mission to support literacy, culture, and the arts. It invites the public to connect with us not just as service providers, but as fellow community members.”
Looking forward, the exhibit might become a yearly tradition. Carrera said, “Based on the positive feedback, even before our actual art pieces are exhibited, we are considering making it an annual event. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate staff creativity and bring something new to the library experience.”
The Library Staff Art Exhibit opens Thursday, July 31, at 5:30 p.m. at the San Benito Public Library, 101 W. Rose St. It will remain on display throughout August.
For more information, call (956) 361-3860 or visit www.cityofsanbenito.com.
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