Across 15 locations, Orange County Library System features exhibitions from local, national and international artists. These exhibitions provide a platform for artists of diverse talents and mediums while simultaneously offering culturally enriching experiences to library visitors. The library also maintains an informative exhibit area on the second floor of Orlando Public Library. This space features illuminating and interactive exhibits curated by OCLS staff.
Current Exhibitions
Nights From Earth – Andi Cates
Orlando Public Library – Melrose Gallery, Second Floor
On display through October 31st
Nights from Earth is a collection of photographs, revealing what is always hiding in plain sight just above us. A celebration of celestial bodies. This is what the sky reveals when we leave the city lights behind and look up. This exhibit encourages viewers to take a moment to feel small in the Universe, to turn off their lights, go outside and spend some time with the stars. The stars are our constant companions, even when we don’t realize they are there.
Quinlan Paintings
Orlando Public Library – Lobby and Third Floor
On display through November 1
Experience the beauty of old-school Orlando through these works of art. Originally depicted on vintage postcards, these Orlando cityscapes were skillfully recreated by Central Florida artist Jim Quinlan.
Paintings on loan from the Orange County Regional History Center.
An Exploration of Central Florida
Orlando Public Library – Lobby, First Floor
On display through November 15
Experience the beauty of Central Florida through the lens of photographers Nichole Spates and Georgia Wilson.
With her photo series, Library Lines, Nichole Spates explores the intriguing Brutalist architecture of the Orlando Public Library. Using just her smartphone, Nichole creates double exposed images of the library’s interior and exterior features.
Georgia Wilson, award winning Central Florida photographer, shares her passion for Florida’s wildlife through her work. Her hope is to educate and share with others the beauty that is found in nature.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Floral Escape
Southwest Branch
On display October through December 2024
Nakia Gater utilizes hand-drawn illustrations to reflect on the immense beauty of flowers and plants. Fascinated by black and white art, most of her pieces are done with graphite, charcoal, or ink.
Nakia views her work as a way of expressing, capturing, and re-creating some of the beauty that she observes in nature.
Current Displays
Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Central Florida
Orlando Public Library – Library Central, First Floor
On display through September 17
Learn more about the Holocaust and its relation to the Olympics through this informative display.
Items on loan from the Orange County Regional History Center.
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Orlando Public Library – Third Floor
On display through September 30
Learn more about birds of prey through this educational display. Featuring feathers, eggs, and even some bugs!
Items on loan from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.
FIFA World Cup 1994
Orlando Public Library – Third Floor
On display through October 9
This pop-up display commemorates the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where five soccer games were held in Orlando. Among the items from the tournament are: a signed Republic of Ireland team photo, a Republic of Ireland jersey signed by manager Jack Charlton, and a soccer ball signed by members of the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Team.
Items on loan from the Orange County Regional History Center.
Orlando Philharmonic
Orlando Public Library – Children’s Library, First Floor
On display through January 1
Learn more about Local Wanderer partner Orlando Philharmonic through their display.
Central Florida Community Arts
Orlando Public Library – Third Floor
On display through January 1
Learn more about Local Wanderer partner Central Florida Community Arts through their display.
For more information about exhibiting with Orange County Library System, contact us at art@ocls.org.
