Is there an entrance fee?

No. Sabatini Gallery programs, artist talks, exhibit openings, tours and services are free, casual and open to the public.

What are your hours?

We are open the same hours as the Library unless we're in-between exhibits. If our doors are closed and the rest of the library is open, we are taking down the past show and installing the new one. We're generally closed to the public about 2-3 weeks between shows, but you can always reach us at the main Gallery number, 785/580-4515. Leave a message and we'll call you back.

I'm an artist. How can I get a show at the Sabatini?

Exhibit proposal guidelines are located here in Artists Only. If you need more information call Sherry Best, Gallery Director at 785/580-4516.

Do you allow the public a place to display things?

Yes. When available, the Library has offered use of the rotunda, hallways and second-floor and various other spaces to people interested in displaying personal collections or groups who have created something together. Past examples have included: Tibetan cultural artifacts, handmade dolls, Books In Bloom (local group who interprets books through floral arangements), Topeka Riverfront Competition submissions, needlework, etc. Our Display Policy is located here in Exhibits.

What's your exhibit right now?

There are several ways of finding out what's currently showing. Pick up or download a copy of connectnow (TSCPL's monthly magazine), or stop by the Gallery for an exhibition schedule, check the Exhibits section here on the webpage, or call us at the Main Gallery number: 785/580-4515.

Is this art for sale?

Sometimes the work on display is for sale. Leave your contact information with a Gallery staff member and we'll pass it on to the artist. From there you and the artist will communicate. We are a non-profit gallery and are not involved in the sale of artwork.

I fould this at an estate sale/auction/on E-bay/in a closet, how much is it worth?

The Sabatini Gallery does not provide appraisal services. However, we can connect you with research tools and provide contacts to a variety of appraisers in the Northeast Kansas area.

Does the Library own this work on display?

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library has a 130-year-old permanent art collection comprised of nearly 5,000 art objects and artifacts, rare books, maps and documents. The Special Collections Department (Topeka Room and Sabatini Gallery) are committed to providing access to as much of the collection as possible. The public has many opportunities to see parts of the collection on a rotating basis via: gallery exhibits, rotunda and atrium displays, throughout the library space on walls, in offices, and generous hallways.

If the work you see is part of the Library's permanent collection, it should be accompanied by an identifying wall card or display text. It will often say, "From the TSCPL permanent collection" and will include the object(s) accession number(s): 2004.1.2, 68.20.375, for example.

What happened to the work from the previous exhibit?

The Sabatini Gallery hosts six exhibits per calendar year and strives to provide a diverse selection of art for our visitors. Shows run about 6-7 weeks and then the art comes down, is returned to its owner(s) and another show is installed. We currently do not have any permanent art exhibits. As this new Digital Branch grows and expands, so will our Archives section. Eventually you will be able to view aspects of past exhibits here online. For now, visit the Library's Flickr page to see pictures from past gallery programs.

Where do you keep the Library's permanent collection?

In the basement! We're very lucky to have museum storage which includes a temperature and humidity control system independant of the Library's heating and cooling system. It has compact storage shelving that expands to make aisles when art is pulled and condenses when no one is using the space. Special Collections storage is highly secured and is set to limited access. As our collection continues to grow, storage space is at a premium and eventually we will be expanding.

Where can I find out more about an artist / the art I own?

Google search: Today's working artists, art professors and museums almost always have a website or database with links to biographies, history, medium, body of work, artist statements, etc. Search using their names and if you know it, the medium, title of work, gallery who represents them, etc.

TSCPL collection: books, periodicals, DVDs, VHS, Moses Collection of fine art books (located in the Topeka Room, non-circulating), Topeka Room hanging files (if the artist is local or has connections to Topeka or Kansas), even microfilm will provide articles and information about artists sometimes.

TSCPL inter-library loan: If we don't have what you're looking for or you don't know where to begin, sometimes visiting Amazon will provide you with books and leads you hadn't thought of trying. If you still can't locate something in our collection, apply for an inter-library loan and we will borrow it from another library, often free of charge. Our ILL department can be reached at: 785/580-4425.

TSCPL databases: We provide access to many on-line resources and First Search is one which will connect you to articles (ArticleFirst), journal articles (ECO) and books (WorldCat) all around the world. We can help you search until you find what you need. It is from here most people will process what they find as an inter-library loan request. It sounds daunting, but that's where we come in.

Gallery Staff: Sometimes the best place to start is in conversation.

My family donated something to the permanent collection. Do you still have it, where is it and can I see it?

Our antiquated 4-card filing system and entire collection is being converted to MuseumPlus, the Special Collections database currently in development. We need advance notice to put you in contact with your piece as we do not have the ability to quickly reference it online. Call the Gallery at 785/580-4515 to set up an appointment.

If TSCPL departments were family members, Special Collections is like your great aunt and uncle who’ve lived in Topeka as long as you can remember and they seem to know everyone. They were friends with Langston Hughes, Karl Menninger and Grandma Layton. They’ve had dinner with Robert Sudlow and Anna Bloch.  They’re world travelers with a cool collection of art and artifacts and are as fond of their Chokwe Pwo mask from Angola as they are of Nikol Miller’s knitted burlesquewear seen this past summer at The Harveyville Project’s open house party.

Some say they’re master storytellers as recollections are often enhanced with odd trivia, amusing details, maps, yearbook photos or an architectural blueprint from the early 20^th century. They preserve tradition while encouraging innovation, and are permanently invested in maintaining our “family” history. Auntie Special and Uncle Collection are like your favorite relatives who want to see you more often and get to know you better.

Because most people don’t expect to find an art gallery, archivists, art historians and a 4500-piece (and counting) permanent collection of art and artifacts in a public library setting, we encourage you to explore our services.

“Is there a difference between cheap and expensive oil paint?”

“Does contemporary indicate a timeframe or a style?”

“How can I enter the Topeka Riverfront Design Competition?”

“Is it true Valerie Solanis claimed she was making a performance piece when she shot Andy Warhol?”

In terms of reference, FAQ could also read: frequent art questions because staff in the Sabatini Gallery answers the bulk of the Library’s art-related inquiries. We also maintain and contribute to on-going art dialogue through our exhibits, educational partnerships, programs, daily interactions and our new Special Collections Papercuts column, Art & Antiquarian. Ask us anything. We’re an excellent resource for students, teachers, artists, gallery owners, museum professionals, collectors and art patrons. If we can’t immediately provide you with an answer, we’ll offer professional direction and research leads to other resources in the Library. Here’s a starter list of questions we’ve been asked (and these really only scratch the surface):