Contact: Mark Gochnour, Poolesville Library 301-972-7801
For Immediate Release: July 9, 2001

Local Artist’s Works
Donated To Poolesville Library

A special donation combining an artist’s talent and a love of books and reading has resulted in three pieces of art adorning the walls of the recently renovated Poolesville Library.

Local artist Robert Chambers and his wife, Helen, visited the Poolesville Library often. Due to their enjoyment of reading,it was a special day for them to drive out to the library from their home in Germantown. After Chambers and his wife died in 1999, his family wanted to donate some of his works to the library in recognition of the Chambers’ love of reading and good books.

Last fall, Mark Gochnour, agency manager at the library, chose three paintings -- "Spring Floral", "At the Beach at Nantucket" and "Gardener’s Bouquet" -- to display in the library. In February 2001, after a three-month hiatus when the library was closed for expansion and renovation, the paintings were hung in the new area of the library. This spring, brass plaques were installed under each painting with its title, and an additional larger plaque was included, giving details about the Chambers’ works and the donation.

According to Gochnour, “Several library customers have commented about the attractiveness of the paintings.”

Chambers painted and sculpted for more than 50 years. Some of his artwork will be displayed in Germantown at the BlackRock Center for the Arts when it opens in June 2002.

Located at 19633 Fisher Ave. in Poolesville, the library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 2 - 9 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.