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@Central Gallery

Located on the first floor of Burton Barr Central Library, @Central Gallery presents fine art exhibitions featuring the work of Arizona artists not currently represented by a gallery. It is open to the public during normal library hours and First Fridays. For more information, email centralgallery.lib@phoenix.gov.

​Current Exhibit

​Déjá Vu View -- artwork by Jeffrey Falk

March 1 - April 24, 2020

Image: Mixed media artwork by Jeff Falk.(Déjà vu is a French phrase that literally translates as "already seen." In the popular sense it describes what some see as a paranormal phenomenon where a person gets a feeling that they have lived through a present situation before or are familiar with a location they have never been to. The exhibit is not about this phenomenon. It is about seeing familiar "iconic" images in a new and different way.)

The art in this show uses existing/found imagery that is familiar to many viewers. These "already seen" iconic images are then altered or recombined in new ways that change the familiar meanings and open up new interpretations for the viewer. It is about art as a language, in and of, itself.

Join us 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 6 for a First Friday reception featuring live, electronic music by Majestic Dubs. The reception is supported by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.​

Upcoming Exhibit  

Napkin Sketches - Grab the Napkin, Draw It Now! -- artwork by Kyoko Iwasaka Image: Sketch of buildings on napkin by Kyoko Iwasaka

April 26 - June 19, 2020

Kyoko Iwasaka is an artist and also an architect who specializes in green building design. Her unique background, extensive travel experience, and strong curiosity fuel her creativity. Kyoko’s artwork is widely diversified from pencil drawing to watercolor to mixed media in both realism and abstract.

In this exhibition, she showcases pen sketches on 5”x5” paper napkins, which are unexpected, simple, but powerful tools that allow us to express our impression and emotion freely at the right moment without fear of being judged.

Join us for a First Friday reception from 6:30-8 p.m. on Friday, May 1.  Meet the artist, discuss the work, and enjoy live music by the Max Beckman jazz duo. The reception is supported by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. 

​Recent Exhibits

Image of painting by Carlos EncinasBorder Observations -- artwork by Carlos Encinas
January 5 - February 28, 2020

Carlos Encinas makes art that deals with border, immigration and Mexican/American identity issues.  




The Journey Circles Back -- sculptures by David KnorrImage of artwork by David KnorrImage of painting by Alma Telibecirevic
Colors of Longing -- paintings by Alma Telibecirevic   
November 3, 2019 - January 3, 2020

David Knorr is expressing his artistic voice through architectural totems and biomorphic sculptures. David shares his inspiration from organic abstractions that emulate in nature.

Alma Telibecirevic expresses her spiritual longing for creative ideas through her art by fusing colors, lines, and movements together to inspire a meaning and emotions worth exploring.
She likes to construct an emotional art full of paradoxes: the collusion of melancholy and happiness, love and solitude, the decorative and the meaningful, ecstasy and sorrow, hope and despair... 


Día de los Muertos Altars Exhibit 
October 13 - November 2, 2019

Altars made by members of the community and inspired by the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition will be on display in the @Central Gallery. The altars honor public and private figures who have passed away. Join us for an artist reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov 1.

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