The latest art show at the library’s lower level is called “Teachers by the Dozen.” It features work – ceramics, weaving, acrylic painting, calligraphy and more - by area art teachers.

When the River Falls Public Library opened in 1997, the lower level was just an empty shell - space. It would remain and be referred to as “space” for six years. Meanwhile patrons flocked in ever increasing numbers to the main library level for books, magazines, newspapers, reference materials, CDs, videos, DVDs and Internet access.

Various plans called for the lower level space to be used as some type of gallery that might house traveling art and history exhibits – a kind of miniature version of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Before any plans could begin, money was needed to finish the lower space. That came in the form of private donors, contributions from the River Falls Library Foundation and city taxpayers.

Two years ago on Sept. 26 the lower level dedication took place. Kirby Symes, whose mother Gladys was city librarian from 1955-68, described the finished lower level – designed by Frisbie Architects of River Falls - as the “shining crown jewel of the community.” Current Library Director Nancy Miller said it was a “gift to ourselves,” and reflected local passion for education and the arts.

But the finished product was still just “space,” elegantly designed but empty. In the next two years, however, that space has seldom been empty. It also has a name – Kleinpell Gallery.

The lower level Kleinpell Gallery has housed historical exhibits like the sweeping Civil War presentation last April and the one-room school house show last September; the popular annual quilt show; the annual community art show; and the all-school artwork show by River Falls School District students; the 200 model toy tractors display last summer; one-person art exhibits by local artists Richard Ward, Renee and Douglas Sigwarth, and James McKahan; and visiting Costa Rican artist/painter Marielos Haug.

The exhibit running through Oct. 16 shows off the creations of current and retired area art teachers. The next show from Oct. 21 to Nov. 20 is called, “World War II: Between the invasion of Poland and the destruction of Hiroshima.” It will have memorabilia, models, pictures, uniforms, weapons and more from that period.

Other first-time shows to watch for: “The Ballet of Russia,” Jan. 6 to Feb. 12, and the “Wedding Fair,” March 24 to April 23. Also coming up: Artwork by River Falls area residents, Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, and by our local students, April 28 to May 26.

Besides the gallery, the lower level has a large meeting room that is well used. The library sponsors a Fall Author Series there, and two writers have already appeared. One was the former dean of the UW-River Falls College of Arts and Sciences, Neal Prochnow, who spoke about his new book, “Get Out of College and Get on With Your Career…On Schedule: Insider Tips From the Dean.”

Up next for Thursday, Oct. 27, is nationally acclaimed novelist Larry Watson, author of “Montana 1948,” “Justice,” and “Orchard.”

So, yes, the library’s lower level has come a long way from “space” inside a basement shell. It complements the vibrant main floor, as well as being an attraction by itself. Two years of activities and events show it’s truly a local cultural showcase.

Stop in and go down for a peek next time you check out materials on the main floor. The stairwell and corridor walls leading to the gallery are filled with blown-up photos of historical River Falls. They’re intriguing enough to be their own exhibition. For those who can’t navigate stairs, an elevator is available.

Hudson Star Observer Articles and River Falls Journal Articles reprinted with permission from the newspapers.