The Forest Room Gallery
Check out our free community gallery space in the Library’s Forest Room, open during regular library hours.
The Forest Room Gallery features three spotlit walls to showcase framed and two-dimensional pieces, while our 6′ x 6′ glass display case offers a more intimate display venue for smaller works, such as artisan-crafted materials, curio collections, and smaller three-dimensional works.
We strive to showcase the artwork of local artists and artists who live and create in Curry and Del Norte Counties. We’re currently looking for artists able to showcase their work between September 2025 and March 2026.
Interested in being an upcoming featured artist in the Forest Room Gallery? Fill out the form below and tell us about your work!
“Brush of the Coast” Fall Art Competition
Accepting entries August 1 - 22, 2025
Join us for our first-ever community art competition!
Participants are invited to pick up a free Artist’s Kit at the front desk of the library, starting on August 1st and available while supplies last. The Artist’s Kit contains a canvas (with mounting hardware included) and basic painting supplies to create your very own masterpiece.
Submit your painting by 5:00pm on Friday, August 22nd. A panel of judges will select 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the following age categories:
- K-5th grade
- Tween and Teen (6th – 12th grade)
- Adults (18+)
Winners in each age category will be announces on August 25th, 2025. Selected artworks including the winners in each category will have their art displayed in the library’s Forest Room Gallery during the months of September and October 2025. Artists are then invited to pick up their artwork by November 5th, 2025.
It is not necessary to use the library’s Artist Kit supplies, but all entries must follow these guidelines:
- 2D artwork only: painting, drawing, collage, mixed media, digital art, etc.
- All entries must be flat and ready to hang with appropriate hardware (hooks, wire, etc.).
- Maximum size: 48 inches wide × 60 inches tall.
- Artwork must have been created in the last 3 years.
You can view and download a copy of full submissions guidelines and a printable artist’s submission form at the links below.
Our Exhibits
Our featured gallery exhibits change on a monthly basis. Exhibits are typically assembled by the 2nd of the month, and are disassembled between the 25th and the final day of the month.
July's Featured Artists: John Harold Scott and Christine Zellmer
Three-in-one
John Harold Scott
Medium: Acrylic and oil
Artist’s Statement: Five years ago, painting changed my life. I literally jumped in head first and still love, love, love the adventure of seeing the end results. I love lots of color, the effects from black lights, and creating glow in the dark paintings. I have been trying to learn how to paint from what I see, yet, I prefer to paint from my mind’s memories. I feel and see three different paintings as I paint: one regular, one in black light, and one glow in the dark—the one I cannot wait to see. I hope you enjoy my work.
—John Harold Scott
The paintings on the gallery walls are available with their frames after their July stay at the library; paintings on the interactive tabletop display may be purchased and taken home sooner by special arrangement. To inquire about purchasing a piece, please send a message to kat@chetcolibrary.org, or contact John Harold Scott at 541-661-6890 or johnharoldscott@yahoo.com.
Coastal Creations
Christine Zellmer
Medium: Crochet
Artist’s Statement: I am a fiber artist and teacher. I believe in using traditional crochet techniques to make heirloom quality amigurumi (stuffed toys and other items) and blankets.
Brookings, Oregon is a unique place located between magical redwood forests and the rugged beauty of the sea, and I specialize in making art that celebrates everything wonderful about our home.
As a fiber artist, I am also a professional pattern tester, and I have had the privilege of working with many amazing pattern designers. I love to make surprising, interactive items—some of my pieces fit others inside them, some stack, some have rattles—they are all wonderful to touch and hold.
In a world filled with imported goods and fast fashion, I invite you to slow down. Slow down and enjoy the beauty around you, touch something soft and fun, breathe the misty ocean air, and experience our world with childlike wonder.
The amigurumi pieces in the display case will be available to take home after their July stay at the library. To inquire about purchasing a piece, please contact the artist:
541-661-0623
Second Saturday Art Walks
July 12, 3:00 – 5:00pm: Join July’s featured gallery and display case artists for an Art Walk Open House! The library will serve light refreshments between 3:00 and 4:30pm. Painter John Harold Scott and fiber artist Christine Zellmer will be in attendance all afternoon to greet visitors, answer questions, and talk about their work in a relaxed environment in the Forest Room.
Up Next in the Forest Room Gallery
August’s Gallery Display: The Wild Rivers Film Festival
This August, the Forest Gallery walls will feature a series of the local film festival’s favorite movie posters, celebrating three years of the festival, which takes place the third weekend of August.