January Art in the Library Exhibit

The Boulder Junction Public Library welcomes the public to view their January “Art in the Library” exhibit featuring art by Polly Sievert in her exhibit called “Colorful Playgrounds: Interactive Quilts for Little Learners.” Her bright and lively quilts will be on display throughout the library during regular business hours. The public is also invited to meet the artist at a reception to be held on Saturday January 20 from 10am to Noon in the library. The reception is free, and refreshments will be served.

There is just something about quilts that conjures up feelings of warmth and coziness. The quilts that Polly is exhibiting at the library are fun and vibrant and will help to take away the January blues. Polly’s quilts are not anything like your grandmother’s quilt and each is an original design.

These quilts are specifically designed for babies through early elementary children, though can be enjoyed by an adult as a lap quilt. Polly calls them “Early Learning Quilts.” The quilts have a vast array of black and white fabrics to help babies enjoy “tummy time,” which is so vitally important for their physical and mental development. The quilts are sized to be play quilts for babies and to grow with the child as a cuddle or lap quilt into the child’s early elementary school years. Each quilt comes with a set of games that can be played with that quilt to continue the child’s mental development.

Polly began her art career as a quilter. This passion helped to develop her large stash of fabrics that she often uses in her textural art pieces. The ideas for her art are inspired by her time “forest bathing” in nature and especially in the Northwoods, where Polly connects often with her gentle spirit. She is an active member of the Manito Art League in Manitowish Waters and exhibits annually in their show at the Manitowish Waters Community Center during mid-July.

Polly is also the co-author of the book, Birch Lake: From Past to Present in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. This book gives a great account of the local history of Presque Isle and Winchester. It also is full of many pictures and family stories of the early settlers of Birch Lake. Copies can be found at the local libraries to check out or can be purchased at Moondeer Gallery in Boulder Junction.

Polly is the Founder of Gentle Spirit Studio (www.GentleSpiritStudio.com). She welcomes you to “Follow” her on Instagram (polly_gentlespiritstudio) and “Like” her on Facebook (GentleSpiritStudio) for glimpses of her unique nature-inspired art and for inspiration on finding your gentle spirit. Polly enjoys teaching and speaking engagements on topics relating to her art, finding one’s gentle spirit, and “forest bathing” in one’s own home.

Polly has been enjoying the Northwoods in all seasons her entire life. Her family has owned property in the area since the mid-1930’s. Polly feels so blessed to also have found her husband, Bob Bergman, in the wonderful Northwoods.

For questions about the Art in the Library exhibits, the application process, or the Artwork policy, please email the library at [email protected] or call the library at 715-385-2050. You can also download the Art in the Library Exhibit Application HERE.