The Euless Library Foundation was created in 1995 to
raise money for permanent artwork to enhance the exterior of the city’s new
library facility, which opened in 1996. The bronze statutes that welcome
visitors to the current 40,500-square-foot library are just two achievements
of the Foundation’s efforts.
The first statue, "Rapture of the Human Spirit," was
dedicated in 1997.
As part of its goal to improve the city’s quality of life
by supporting functions and projects that will enhance the visibility and
growth of the Euless Public Library, the Foundation has continued to search
for new projects to fulfill this mission. In 2002, the Foundation launched
a campaign for a unique sculptural form in glass utilizing complementary
colors of the Euless Library interior.
When completed, the large glass
sculpture will be suspended from the ceiling in the south bay window space.
Titled "Fioriture di Chiarimento" (or "Bloom of Enlightenment," as loosely
translated from Italian), the sculpture will be visible from outside both
day and night. David Keens, renowned artist and an Associate Professor who
specializes and teaches classes in glass blowing at the University of Texas
Arlington, will construct the sculpture using individually blown glass "roundels"
that will vary in size and color. These roundels are individually hand blown
glass forms mounted on a metal structure.
The 14-member Foundation Board has raised over $150,000
since 1996 through cookbook sales, black-tie galas, mystery nights and
casino nights that include live and silent auctions. This money has funded
these art projects, special youth programs and other events.
The Foundation is dedicated to continued support of
special youth programs, community services and events, and the acquisition
of new artwork. The Foundation has launched a Membership Drive to provide an
opportunity for everyone in the Euless community to become involved in the
Foundation’s projects and support the Euless Library.
The Euless Library Foundation has been characterized as
an "energetic, positive, forward-thinking group." What started as a small
group of people with a mission to add art to the new library facility has
become an organization dedicated to ensuring that the Euless Public Library
remains an integral part of the City’s cultural activities and growth.