Local artist Akwi Nji is the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s 2024 Artist in Residence. The library welcomed Ms. Nji with a gallery opening on March 2, and will host several collaborative art programs this spring.
A multi-disciplinary artist, Ms. Nji combines poetry, mixed-media and spoken word performance in her work. She will facilitate a series of arts programs for all ages at the library this spring.
According to a news release, Ms. Nji’s work will be on exhibit in the Downtown Library’s Third Floor Gallery from March through May. At the end of May, work created by community members alongside Ms. Nji will be displayed at the Ladd and the downtown libraries as part of her capstone “The People’s Poetics” project.
“Ultimately this residency, in my mind, is about connection. Every activity I do is going to be about connection – connections between people, with each other, and with different versions of themselves,” Ms. Nji said, in the release.
Ms. Nji’s recent work has included paintings that incorporate book covers – specifically covers of often-banned books – and she will invite patrons to make art of their own inspired by book covers. Another program will focus on writing letters based on favorite books – participants will be able to write to favorite characters, to authors, to other readers, or to former or future versions of themselves.
Other work will focus on conversations between the many different populations who interact at the library each day.
“Bringing artists into the library aligns with our mission of helping our community learn, enjoy, and thrive,” Programming Librarian Jen Eilers said, in the release. “We hope these programs help our patrons connect with each other while exploring their own creativity.”
Learn more about Nji at akwinji.com.
Spring 2024 Artist in Residence programs
Artist in Residence programs may be found on the library’s online calendar, https://events.crlibrary.org/events, and in the spring issue of OPEN+ magazine, available at both library locations.
Join Resident Artist Akwi Nji for collaborative art programs at the library this spring. Pieces created during the programs may be featured as part of Nji’s “The People’s Poetics” project in one of the library’s gallery spaces this summer.
Pocketbook Poetry
Write pocketbook-sized poetry with Nji during this drop-in program. The process is whimsical, and anyone can participate, regardless of their comfort level with poetry. Participants may draw inspiration from words and phrases overheard at the library.
Wednesday, March 13, 10-11 am, Downtown Library
Craft Your Cover
Book covers can draw us into a story or remain with us long after the details of the story have faded. Create a unique art piece using recycled materials inspired by the cover of your favorite book. We’ll provide the materials, while you bring the book or a picture of the cover and join others in your community for this program.
Teens: Friday, March 22, 2:30-3:30 pm, Downtown Library, Union
Adults: Thursday, April 4, 6:30-7:30 pm. Ladd Library, Community Room
All ages: Friday, May 17, 3-4 pm, Downtown Library, Beems A
Letters in the Library: Write Together
Letter writing is becoming a lost art in the digital age. Join a letter writing session honoring books that have notably impacted your life. You’ll have an opportunity to write a letter to a former version of yourself, such as the person you were before reading a book that impacted you greatly, a book character, or more. There are several approaches to this letter-writing experience. You’ll not only create a beautiful letter, you’ll share the experience with other book lovers and connect with each other over the books that have shaped you.
Wednesday, March 27, 10-11 am
Ladd Library, Community Room
Text Threads
Every day we write our stories through the text messages we send each other. Nji will guide you as you create poetry from your personal text threads and collaborate on a mural.
Teens: Friday, April 12, 2:30-3:30 pm
Downtown Library, Union
Everyone: Saturday, May 4, 10-11 am
Downtown Library Beems Auditorium
Letters in the Library: Drop-In Program
During this drop-in program, write a letter to a favorite book character. Using the written letters, Nji will create a poem that will be featured as part of “The People’s Poetics” project.
Monday, April 15, 10-11 am
Ladd Library, Art Gallery
Cover to Cover
During this drop-in program, visit with the artist and view her artistic process as she creates a book cover inspired by her work and the connections she’s made with patrons during the library’s residency program.
Thursday, May 2, 5:30-6:30 pm
Downtown Library, Commons
The People’s Poetics Gallery Opening
Celebrate the grand opening of “The People’s Poetics” project featuring work by Nji and library patrons. Visit with the artist and explore the convergence of art and poetry – of individual story and the stories in the library—in this new exhibit.
Saturday, May 25, 10-11 am
Downtown Library, Third Floor Gallery
