Art for Rent: Manlius Public Library lends books — and art

By James Perry
Goldring Arts Journalism Student

Valerie Brennan likes paintings of Cape Cod scenes — "things with boats and water," as she puts it. A few years ago, she brought home just the right one to hang in her newly redecorated and Photo by Carl Yostnautically-themed bedroom in Manlius. Brennan, 50, a Syracuse public school teacher, didn’t find her new painting on the walls of an art gallery or at an art fair. It was hanging in her local library, and she took it home for a fraction of its price. She merely had to bring it back after two months.

She had stumbled upon the Manlius Public Library’s art rental program. Library visitors can borrow a painting as an inexpensive way to include art in their homes, or to test out a painting on a wall before deciding to buy it.

"It’s easier than buying something, taking it home and then not liking it," Brennan said.

With more than 40 artists, each annually contributing two works to the program at Manlius, the library’s gallery offers a wide variety of artistic selections. Strolling through the gallery, a visitor sees detailed watercolors of landscapes and storefronts, an abstract collage of watercolor squares placed on a painted background, and an unassuming color photograph from the vantage point of looking down a neighborhood street.

Brennan liked that she could try out the art before buying it. But that aspect alone didn’t sell her on the program. She said the low fees, which would be applied toward the purchase price if she decided to keep the painting, were also attractive.

The fees are based on the work’s price and range between $5 and $15 for a two month rental. A painting can be renewed for an additional month for half of the initial rental fee, after which it must be returned to the library or purchased. The library takes a 15 percent commission on all sales, which adds up to around $1,000 a year.

"I think they could charge more," Brennan said. "I don’t really want to throw money away, but it’s almost ridiculous."

There are currently no official numbers on how many have participated in the program, either renting art or purchasing it. However, Shel Little, the program’s treasurer, said her impression is that "there’s more renters than buyers because it’s much more affordable. A lot of people start out by renting a piece and saying, ‘You know, I really like this, and I want it in my house permanently.'"

James Skvarch, a contributing artist to the program, said it works well from a business standpoint for an artist. He sells something every other year, which he said are "pretty good odds."

"In order to sell art, it’s like fishing," Skvarch said. "You’ve got to have multiple lines in the water. The Manlius Library is a good line in the water."

However, the program is about more than finding the perfect painting to decorate a room. Little, who, along with her husband, also contributes artwork, believes the program can help change perceptions about art.

"I think a lot of us feel very strongly that everybody should have access to, not just beautiful things, but things that make you think or move you or challenge you in some way," Little said. "And hanging it in your home is the most immediate because you see it every day."

The idea of renting art is relatively unfamiliar to most people compared to viewing or purchasing it from a gallery. Skvarch said the Manlius library has an advantage over art galleries for the casual art-lover. He pointed out that some potential art buyers may be hesitant to go to galleries because they think they will seem unintelligent, whereas the gallery at the Manlius library offers a welcoming atmosphere.

"Art galleries can be intimidating places, and one of the strengths of the program is that it’s so accessible," said Little.

As to whether there are ever problems getting the art returned to the library, June Carey, the program’s founding organizer, said that while no painting has ever been lost, renters will sometimes keep the art for too long. The contract stipulates that renters will be charged a daily fee for overdue art, but they are usually granted a grace period to return the painting, said Marion Lapham, a member of the rental committee.

All that is needed to get the overdue art back to the library is usually a phone call. But occasionally the process can be more difficult. In some cases, a library representative is dispatched to collect the art. And one time, a minister who was transferred abroad took a rented painting with him out of the country. However, said Carey, the minister eventually brought it back to the library.

For information on hours and the library rental program, call (315) 682-6400 or go to their website.