Image: Learn to Dream by Addie Boswell

The second floor of Brookwood Library is home to the largest non-professional art gallery in Washington County – over 129 feet of wall space! Shute Park Library’s smaller gallery space often showcases artwork from students and emerging artists. It is part of the Hillsboro Cultural Arts District. Both gallery spaces:

• offer an inclusive, all-ages art experience.
• create community and discussion around diverse art and culture.
• create a space where artists and patrons connect.

Hillsboro Public Library is honored to house many beautiful works of art in the Hillsboro Public Art Collection. Public art at Shute Park Library includes the mural, Bird Child Travels Through History, by artist Angelina Marino-Heidel, and Shute Seeds, a sculpture by artist Blessing Hancock. Public art at Brookwood Library includes the murals Learn to Dream and Read to Grow by Addie Boswell.

Request to Exhibit

Applications now closed.  

At a Glance

• Who can apply: Local and regional solo artists and artist collectives of all ages and abilities.
• What we’re seeking: Original fine art for 2-month exhibits at Brookwood and Shute Park Libraries.
• Confirmed exhibit periods: January–February, March–April, May–June (Shute Park Only), November–December 2026.
• Application deadline: Extented until filled
• Notification date: Artists will be notified of selection decisions as available.
• How to apply: Review the Art Exhibit Policy and complete the Request to Exhibit Application Form.
• Note: The Art Exhibit Policy is currently under review by Hillsboro City Council. Selected artists will receive the updated version once the review process is complete.

 About the Program

Each year, thousands of community members experience the artwork displayed in the Library’s galleries. Exhibiting at the Library gives artists the opportunity to share their work in a welcoming public setting, connect with the community, and, at Brookwood, take part in a Library-sponsored reception.

Hillsboro Public Library invites local and regional solo artists and artist collectives to apply for upcoming exhibits at our Brookwood and Shute Park locations. Exhibits run for two months. Depending on submissions, the Library may feature a solo artist, an artist collective, or combine multiple solo artists into a shared exhibit.

All exhibits are curated and managed by Library staff and are free and open to the public. Gallery spaces are not available for commercial purposes; however, artists may include pricing and contact information in their wall text so interested visitors can connect directly.

2026 Exhibit Themes

• January/February – Made in Hillsboro
• March/April – Recycled Art
• May/June – Colorful/Color Wheel (Shute Park Library only) 
• November/December – Hillsboro's 150th Anniversary, local history, and Native American art

Gallery Details

Brookwood Library

• Second floor gallery – approx. 130 feet of wall space, accommodating 50+ works. View the Brookwood gallery map.
• Entryway wall – space for 1–2 works on the first floor.
• Pedestals – 5 pedestals for three-dimensional artwork, including 3 with protective vitrines (clear acrylic covers).
• Reception – Each Brookwood exhibit includes a Library-sponsored artist reception, typically held in the second month of the show.

Shute Park Library

• Gallery wall space – approx. 32 feet, accommodating 16–25 works. View the Shute Park gallery map.
• Display cases – 3 cases for three-dimensional artwork.
• Reception – The Library does not sponsor receptions at this location; however, artists may request space to host their own.
• Note: Student and emerging artists are given priority for this location.

General Information

• Exhibits run for two months.
• Artwork must be exhibit-ready and installed and removed by the artist on the agreed-upon dates.
• The Library uses the Arakawa rail and cable system (maximum weight: 40 lbs. per cable; cables can be combined to support heavier works).
• The Library welcomes artists of all backgrounds and strives to make its gallery spaces accessible. Please [contact us] if you require accommodations
  

Selection Considerations

Library staff review submissions with an eye toward artistic quality, community engagement, and alignment with Library values. Decisions are based on:

• Artistic Merit – composition, design, craftsmanship, originality, cultural significance, and clarity of artistic vision.
• Logistical Fit – alignment with policy, readiness of artwork for display, suitability for the space, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Community Relevance – potential to resonate with Library audiences, foster dialogue, or complement programming.
• Diversity & Inclusion – representation of diverse themes, perspectives, and underrepresented voices.
• Educational Impact – capacity to inspire learning, reflection, or engagement.
• Programmatic Needs – alignment with Library priorities, including space availability and building logistics. Preference may be given to local or emerging artists. 

Apply to Exhibit

Request to Exhibit Application Form