Louise & Arnold Kotler Art Gallery

The Art Gallery at the John F. Germany Public Library is named in honor of Arnold C. Kotler, a long term Library Board member, and his wife Louise L. Kotler. Both were dedicated to many causes in Tampa, two of which were art and libraries. The Art Gallery is the oldest continuing art-space in downtown Tampa. Together with the permanent art collection, it promotes diversity and variety in medium, exhibiting paintings, drawings, mixed media, crafts, collectibles, ceramics, and sculpture, for wall, table, or display case exhibition. Displays are rotated, usually, on a monthly basis. The permanent art collection was acquired for the central library in the late 1960’s.

• More Information about the Art Gallery

• More Information about the Permanent Art Collection

• More Information about the Online Art Catalog

The Friends of the Library Hillsborough, Inc. have funded projects that have revitalized and rejuvenated the entire art collection. Artwork in the Collection has been re-appraised and many pieces were refurbished to create a brighter and better-preserved collection. In 1996, the Friends began the "tradition" of purchasing new pieces every year at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, enabling the library to acquire new art by notable local artists, including some who have displayed in the Gallery.

Artists are invited to exhibit, or may apply by submitting slides and vita (for return, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope) to: John F. Germany Public Library 900 North Ashley Drive Tampa, Florida 33602 ATTN: Gallery Coordinator E-Mail: gallery@thpl.org -or- Phone 813-273-3652

If you have further questions, please feel free to comment on the John F. Germany Public Library.