The Gallery Upstairs at the Institute Library is the site of numerous exhibits and projects organized by Martha Lewis, a visual artist, curator and educator who has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her artistic practice focuses on drawing, site specific installation, books, knowledge, and the history of science. As resident curator since 2016 at The Gallery Upstairs at the Institute Library, she organizes contemporary art exhibitions relating to words, books, archives or collections, often pairing the exhibits with items from the library collection. Additionally, Martha hosts two Programs at WPKN Radio. She holds degrees from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, and Yale University School of Art. More of her artwork can be seen at marthalewis.com. Prior to 2016, critic and curator Stephen Kobasa organized shows, drawing on local and regional artists’ work, and also inviting guest curators for specific exhibits.
If you are interested in submitting work for review, please read over the following guidelines and to make sure you are a good fit.
Slideshow of the past exhibitions and events organized by Martha Willette Lewis over the years in the Gallery Upstairs at The Institute Library. Photo credits: Judy Sirota Rosenthal, Valerie Garlick, Martha Lewis, Steve Di Constanzo, Joan Fitzsimmons, and Maria Lara Whelpley.
The Upstairs Gallery at the Institute Library is a not-for-profit exhibition space for visual art. We present mostly group exhibits of contemporary art relating to words, books, libraries, or collections in some way. We normally offer 4 shows a year, and many have an open-call element. We do not charge artists to exhibit in our space, but we do encourage exhibiting artists to become members. It supports what we do and keeps the library up and running. This is optional and will not affect inclusion into exhibits.
If you would like your work to be considered or have an idea for a show we are always interested. We welcome and review submissions and proposals on an on-going basis, please download how to submit and follow the instructions exactly. The Curator in Residence, Martha Willette Lewis, will periodically review portfolios by artists for possible inclusion in thematic group exhibitions. Any questions should be submitted by email to the Curator, please do not call the library with inquiries.
We appreciate your patience!