Don’t Sit on the Fence – Create Art For It! Pasadena Library Invites Community to Help Decorate Construction Fence

The Pasadena Public Library is reaching out to community members to help transform the construction fence that will surround Central Library during its upcoming earthquake retrofit and repairs project. The initiative, titled “Art on the Fence,” welcomes artistic contributions from anyone with a connection to Pasadena — whether they live, work, or attend school in the city or within the Pasadena Unified School District.

“Create an image featuring your favorite library, book or book character,” states the contest flyer. “Artwork will be displayed on the fence and later in the exhibit space when the library reopens.”

The library has cast a wide net for potential themes, encouraging participants to create designs related to libraries, Pasadena, literature, or the local community. Suggested inspirations include depictions of reading favorite books, learning activities at the library, cherished Pasadena library memories, or imaginative visions of the library’s future.

While all artistic mediums of illustration are welcome, submissions must be flat images. Officials recommend using bright pens, markers, or paint with saturated and opaque colors to ensure the artwork remains crisp and visible when displayed on the outdoor fence.

The contest has specific technical requirements: Images must appear on only one side of paper sized between 8½” x 11″ and 11″ x 17″, in portrait orientation (with the short sides at top and bottom). Each submission must be the applicant’s original work and include a completed and signed entry form. Artists have until Wednesday, April 30, to submit their creations.

Submissions can be made through two routes: physical illustrations can be dropped off at any Pasadena Public Library branch with the required submission form attached, or digital illustrations can be submitted through the online entry form at CityofPasadena.LibWizard.com/f/ArtontheFence-ACommunityCelebration

A dedicated selection panel will evaluate all entries and select finalists for public display. The library has committed to returning all original artwork to participants following the Grand Reopening of Central Library.

For more information, call the City Service Center at (626) 744-7311.