Sharpsburg Community Library hosts resident's inaugural art exhibit

Sharpsburg artist Hez Poole’s love of nature is on full display at her inaugural painting exhibit at the Sharpsburg Community Library.

“Rewilding,” a compilation of animal paintings including charcoal, acrylics, water colors, collage and other media is showcased at 1212 Main St. through April 8.

“I absolutely love this library, and I’m so happy to help raise funds for it through this exhibit and to connect with the community through the library,” Poole said. “They do so much for Sharpsburg. I’m really happy with the response. You never know when you put your stuff out there.”

The exhibit opened in early March. Art materials used, such as the frames and paper, are made from recycled materials.

Poole, 41, was born and raised in Beaver near a 100-acre forest filled with wildlife.

She moved to the Pittsburgh area for college and nestled in the borough about decade ago.

“I grew up in a very rural area, which is an understatement,” she said. “Back then, all I wanted to do was come to the city where people were. I came to the city and I love being here with people, but there’s a part of me that misses that connection to nature.

”What I want to bring out in my artwork is bringing that (nature connection) to the city. Combine modern elements of more urban living with the natural world.”

Poole teaches arts and crafts at Ketchup City Creative, several blocks away from the library. She also creates jewelry and other creative pieces through her home business, Forestpaw Studios.

Poole credits her father, Bob Hamilton, known in German music circles as “The Mad Bavarian Musician,” for her artistic drive.

“I’ve always done artistic things,” Poole said. “Growing up I did poetry and collected vintage photographs and made wall hangings out of them. Sewing, I was making clothes for awhile.

“I love making things in the same way that he loves making music. I love making art, whether it’s paintings or clay sculptures. Whatever it is, I just have a drive to do that.”

Youth coordinator Alison Babusci leads a variety of art programs at the library.

She’s familiar with Poole’s work, having purchased jewelry from her, and is very impressed with the exhibit.

“She has focused more on drawing and painting in the last couple years and less on the jewelry,” Babusci said. “It’s always exciting to see an artist try something new and grow. I love it. I had no idea she was doing collage. I really like the collage works.

“I really like how she’s incorporating found images in with her own work. The pigeon is my favorite. I have a thing for pigeons. They are just so darn cute and they are a little rainbowy. That one was sold before I could get my hands on it.”

Pieces in the exhibit with a red sticker beside them are marked as sold. Prices range from $35 to $80.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the library.

“We feel like it’s a big part of being a community hub, to showcase the art that is being made in the community,” Babusci said. “I love having examples of more practiced artists or professional artists for the kiddos to sort of look up to and see that some people keep making art their whole life long, which is awesome.”

Those interested in contacting Poole can do so via email at peachyhez@gmail.com.

More information about the library and its programs is available at coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/sharpsburg.