Art in Our Libraries | San Jose Public Library

Public Art at King Library

Recolecciones: The Art of Mel Chin
These 33 "sculptural insertions" integrated into King Library are designed and located to provoke your interest, curiosity, sense of mystery, and wonder. Some concepts are invested with a sense of humor, while others are designed to encourage contemplation. These artworks include functional installations such as chairs, tables, and shelves as well as wall paneling, sculptural ceilings, curious light projections, and traditional sculpture.

Edmonia Lewis Sculptures
Edmonia Lewis (ca. 1840-ca. 1910) was the first internationally renowned non-white American sculptor. Part African-American and part Chippewa Indian, Lewis studied sculpting in 1860’s Boston. Moving to Rome in the late 1860’s, she achieved fame and wealth there before visiting the U.S. in 1873 to exhibit her work, including an exhibition in San José. At this time, San José Library purchased her Bust of Lincoln (1871). The library also eventually obtained the cherub sculptures Asleep (1871) and Awake (1872) from San José resident Sarah Knox.