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Meet Emily Craft: Administrative Supervisor at Hillsboro Public Library

Plus, information about the Library Art Galleries

Post Date:07/28/2023

Emily, Administrative Supervisor, and family

Emily Craft is one of the most thoughtful people you will meet at the Library or anywhere. Empathetic and kind, her devotion to her family and the Library is unwavering. Along with supervising a team, Emily manages the art gallery spaces at both library locations. We asked Emily to share more about herself and how you can apply to showcase your art at Hillsboro Public Library.

Emily, tell us about yourself.

I am a proud Hillsboro resident. I live right between the two Hillsboro libraries in a small house with my sweet family. My happiest time is spent either with my daughters exploring our world or in our garden. It is the best feeling when those two coincide, like picking veggies from plants we grew together.

What led you to work for Hillsboro Public Library?

I was a shy teen who loved books, so I volunteered at the Banks Public Library. Their Director, Denise, was very kind and gave me several small projects to focus on that let me positively and directly impact my community. When I was looking for a job after high school, applying at the library made sense. Thankfully, they hired me as a part-time Materials Shelver.

I’ve basically grown up in the library and consider myself extremely lucky to have found my work home here. It is a joy to see Marcia Hale, our Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, creating a similar welcoming experience for HPL’s cohort of teen volunteers. Small connections can have a big impact. It’s one of the things that make libraries so great; those types of connections happen here all the time.

Who inspires you?

My mother, of course, and every one of my coworkers inspires me. You will never meet a more dedicated, creative, and service-oriented group. There are also many strong, inspiring women in the world of libraries, my co-supervisors, our managers, and our leadership – their passion and compassion inspires me every day. I am also inspired by our community members, patrons, and the many caring connections that happen throughout the City.

Brookwood Art Gallery In addition to supervising administrative staff, you also oversee the gallery spaces at both library locations. Tell us about it.

Along with beautiful public art installations, we have gallery spaces at both Hillsboro Public Library locations. The gallery at the Shute Park Library is smaller and more intimate. We celebrate emerging artists of all ages in this space. We’ve recently showcased art from Mooberry Elementary’s Young Artist's Club/Club de Jóvenes Artistas, and our last exhibit featured the work of Audrey Aiken, a retiree who found her love of painting only a year ago.

The Brookwood Library has one of the largest gallery spaces in Washington County, and we focus on showcasing the work of established artists or groups whose artwork reflects the diverse experiences of those who have made Hillsboro and its neighboring communities home. We’ve collaborated with the Watercolor Society of Oregon, NAMI of Washington County, Buzzy’s Bees, and many other amazing artists and groups.

I love this quote from a recent visitor to our Brookwood Library Gallery:

"I just visited the art exhibit upstairs. That was such a powerful, difficult, but important exhibit to witness. I really appreciate the diverse exhibits provided in this space."

The best thing about having art galleries in our Library spaces is that it makes the gallery experience accessible. Our spaces are for everyone. If you come in to use a computer, get a book, or use a study room, you may leave with a glimpse into someone else’s world through their art. Then, if you are feeling inspired, you can stop into the Collaboratory, our maker space, and create something of your own.

Tell us a good story about your gallery experience.

Shute Park Library Art Gallery In September and October, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll host Sequoia Art Gallery + Studios’ second annual Hispanic Heritage Art Show at both the Shute Park and Brookwood Library and an artist reception in September.

The Q&A with the artists during last year’s reception was one of my favorite gallery experiences. There was a mix of Spanish and English-speaking attendees and artists on the panel. Two amazing Library employees, Edgar and Jessica, translated the panel discussion into both languages.

The artists’ answers and discussion were moving, and the exchange through language was also a beautiful microcosm of our community. Additionally, several young visitors stopped by for the cookies, but they stayed to view the exhibit and asked the artists questions about their work.

If an artist is interested in exhibiting their work at the library, what steps do they need to take?

If you are interested in exhibiting with us, we are excited for you to apply. We are seeking artists for 2024 and 2025 at both Shute Park and Brookwood libraries.

Please visit our Gallery webpage to review the section for artists and then submit a Request to Exhibit application. We will review your application, and someone on our Gallery team will contact you with the next steps.