Local artists and a Campbell County High School art teacher are giving back to the community through art service projects.
Teacher Leslie Hagen and the artists were selected to participate in the Kenton County Public Library Foundation’s Book Bench Project, which brings literacy and artistic expression together. Six local artists painted their interpretation of books on a fiberglass bench in the shape of an open book.
In May, the Book Benches will be placed in neighborhoods throughout Covington for people to sit and read, and on Wednesday, April 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the public will have a chance to see them and meet the artists at 502 Scott Blvd. in Covington.
The call to artists resulted in 38 submissions. The artists were given a list of books to choose from, and each submitted a rough sketch of the book they would paint. Staff narrowed down the submissions for the final selection. The selected artists received their benches and got to work in early February, with two months to turn their vision into reality.
“What these artists created in such a short time on an unconventional item is truly remarkable,” said Book Bench project manager and Public Relations Director for the Kenton County Public Library, Robin Klaene. “The benches are over 180 pounds, have curves, ridges, multiple sides, and the artists’ attention to detail on every aspect of these benches is truly breathtaking. I can’t wait to see them in the community later this spring.”
The city of Covington offered funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help fund the project. Local movers “Two Men & A Truck” assisted with the program by moving benches and will assist on the day of installation.
