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Odegaard Undergraduate Library Exhibit Space

Use Policy & Description of Facility

Contacts

Name: Anne Davis, Linda Whang, Emily Ruder, Sunshine King, Melissa Logan

Email: ouglexhibits@uw.edu

Propose an Exhibit

Submit the online proposal form for consideration. Please review the UW Libraries Exhibits Policy as well as the expectations outlined below before submitting your proposal.

Exhibit Spaces

Odegaard Library is a busy study space available only to current UW students, faculty, and staff with a valid Husky Card. The following areas are typically used to display artwork:

  • Open floor space on first, second, and third floors (best for sculptures and 3D media)
  • White gallery walls with Arakawa gallery system on second and third floors (best for framed, 2D media)
    • Gallery walls are illuminated by display lights (second floor) or natural light from the skylight (third floor)
    • The gallery system requires artwork to be framed and fitted with with hardware that will allow hanging from hooks (see video from Strathmore for examples)
    • Hanging hardware does not need to be gallery quality to work with our system, but it does need to be large enough for our hooks to fit through (mounting work on foam core board and hanging with large binder clips or loops made of wire has worked in the past)
    • Both gallery walls are are broken into three sections, separated by doors to study rooms
    • Outer walls measure 8' high and 12' long, and one inner wall measures 8' high and 6.5' long
  • Large glass walls on 3rd floor (best for stickers, clings, and other unframed 2D media that requires adhesive)
  • Stairs from floor 2-3 (best for stickers, clings, and other unframed 2D media that requires adhesive)
  • 2nd floor overlook (best for hanging 3D media and mobiles)

As long as your exhibit does not interfere with student study space or library operations, other display areas may be considered. See past exhibit gallery for ideas of how students have used display spaces in the past.

Equipment

The following equipment is property of the UW Libraries and can be used by exhibitors during the duration of their exhibit. Please reach out to the Odegaard Library Exhibits Team to arrange for use of the equipment. You can view a gallery of the equipment listed below by clicking here.

  • 2 mobile glass case (ideal for small, fragile, valuable pieces)
  • 2 black pedestals, tall (20''x20'' display area, 40'' tall)
  • 2 black pedestals, short (20''x20'' display area, 30'' tall)
  • 3 mobile video display monitors (no audio, requires USB drive)
  • 5 mobile black display panels (fabric surface, ideal for pins and thumbtacks)
  • Foam core boards and binder clips (various sizes)

      Safety and Display Expectations

      Safety Considerations

      No exhibit or installation should pose any kind of safety risk to the exhibitor or patrons using the library. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

      • No installations that require anything taller than a standard ladder to complete
      • No installations that have potential to fall, tip over, trip, or injure patrons
      • No installations using hazardous chemicals, strong scents, weapons, fire, blades, etc.
      • No installations blocking any doorways, fire exits, windows, or walkways

      Installation Limitations

        While we will always do our best to honor your vision, Odegaard Library is not a gallery space and we do not have the same freedom and capabilities as an art gallery. You may have to reconsider how your artwork will be installed or make minor adjustments before it can be displayed in the library. Please come with an open mind!

        • Adhesives: No artwork or installation can cause any permanent damage to building facilities. Therefore, no drilling, nailing, tacking, puncturing, or painting of display spaces is allowed. The only adhesive permitted on the gallery walls is blue painter’s tape; other adhesives are likely to remove paint from the wall and we do not have consistent funding to repaint them. Stronger adhesives are allowed on glass and metal surfaces. The exhibitor is responsible for cleaning up any mess, trash, or residue left behind by the artwork.
        • Digital Media: Odegaard Library is not equipped to display extensive audio/video projects. We are limited to three mobile monitors (listed on the equipment tab), and no display is permitted to have audible sound that might disrupt users studying in the building. Due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we also do not allow shared headphones to be used. If you have a display with video and/or sound, we highly recommend including a link or QR code with your project that users can scan to interact with your artwork on their own devices.
        • Projection: Projection is historically very difficult to manage in the library and requires almost constant upkeep. We do not recommend any projection projects be installed in the library.
        • Prohibited Installation Locations: We will not allow any artwork to be installed in the following locations for safety and/or operational reasons.
          • On the front of the building or doors
          • Inside the main entryway or foyer
          • Inside any restrooms
          • Under any staircase
          • Hanging from the large lampshades or skylight
          • Hanging from any non-secure fixtures such as vents, gallery lighting, etc.
          • On any handrails

            Student Consultations

            Students enrolled in art classes with group exhibits in the library (such as ART 400) may schedule individual appointments with the Odegaard Library Exhibits Team outside of regular class time for installation advice or assistance. Note that you should still discuss your project ideas with your instructor before consulting with the Odegaard Library Exhibits Team; we are here to help you with the installation process but your instructor is the best place to start.

            Click here to book your time.

            Other student groups may use this form only if they have been given prior permission by the Odegaard Library Exhibits Team to do so.