Wednesday is New Year’s Day. 2020. Let’s hope for a year of perfect vision.

That makes me think of planning a whole new year of art exhibits and foyer displays.

The library already has plans for an exhibit of paintings by Clark County artist Phil May in January, a street photography exhibit by James “Pee Wee” Robinson in February and a “Make Do” display by Debbie and Joe Barnes in March.

The best part of my job here at the library is showing artwork, crafts or collections by Clark County residents. Over the years, many have donated items for display that have delighted thousands of patrons and visitors.

Liz Borden kindly donated soapstone bears for an exhibit last spring and her beautiful collection of stained glass and needlepoint angels in December.

One morning early in 2019, a woman named Frances Hampton came to my office with a collection of her artwork, pieces which won ribbons at state and county fairs.

Frances is not a professional artist. She does what she likes to do and enjoys making her work. That’s the best kind of art. Heartfelt and fun.

She had two plastic tubs full of wonderful work: paintings, drawings, jewelry, collage. We set them up along the windows of the reference reading area and they charmed people for the whole month of March.

She was even kind enough to copy one of her robin paintings for me because, at the time, Julie had created a nesting site for a pair of robins on our porch. The painting is in our living room and it always reminds us of the robins.

Meeting Clark County artist Kenneth Williams was one of the best things that happened to me in 2019. He brought in his paintings for the Black Clark County artists show in June and July.

Kenneth did a painting of a deer that mesmerized me from the moment I saw it. For a self-taught artist, his work showed astonishing technique and feeling for color.

I learned he studies the works of classic masters and then practices applying their techniques to his own paintings.

He’s a farmer and was once a technician on the U2 spy planes Francis Gary Powers flew. He had the courage to bring in his work to share with other residents of Clark County. He enriched the lives of the people who saw his work and inspired others to do the same. That’s very swell.

For a few summers, the library sponsored a community open art show in June and July during the Adult Summer Reading Program.

There were so many fabulous pieces done by self-taught artists. One I always remember was a portrait done by a used furniture shop owner. It was a portrait of one of her favorite customers. It was so life-like, so lovingly done, I always wished I could talk to that woman.

There was a landscape in one of the shows, a luminous path between green trees that made viewers say, “I wish I could walk down that path.”

I regret I can’t remember the artist’s names.

My New Year Resolution for 2020 is to keep a library journal.

So, let’s see them, kids! Bring your artwork, crafts and collections into the library so they can be displayed for the delight of your friends and neighbors. In that way you’ll brighten up 2020 all year long.

Contact me at 859-744-5661, ext. 110, john.clarkbooks@gmail.com or just drop in the library and say “hello.”

Remember the library will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday for the New Year. Happy New Year!

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.