Artist Selected to Create Paintings for New Library

Construction for the new Pacoima branch library won’t begin until early next year, but some of the art that will decorate its walls is already in the works.

Los Angeles Public Library officials said artist Terry Schoonhoven will create two large paintings on canvas for the 10,500-square-foot library.

The 53-year-old artist, known for adorning huge outdoor walls with whimsical fantasies, has more than 40 murals to his credit.

Officials sought community input before choosing the art, but turnout at a public meeting earlier this week was dismal.

“Not many people showed up, so the library committee selected the art,” said public library spokeswoman Juliana Cheng.

Schoonhoven’s paintings will hang in the library’s main entry, one at each end of the central corridor.

One, titled “Book Canyon,” will depict a desert canyon with a cloud-filled sky. The rocky walls will be sandstone rows of geological formations resembling book stacks.

The other, titled “Pacoima Short Story,” will feature a sunset sky with colorful patterns and a mountain range rising against it. The scene will include the library and an apartment building with a figure silhouetted in the window.

The art and library construction will be funded by Proposition DD, a $178.3-million bond measure approved by voters in November 1998 for citywide library upgrades.

Twelve San Fernando Valley libraries will benefit from the bond. In addition to Pacoima, new buildings are scheduled to be constructed in Sylmar, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino-Tarzana, Northridge, Sun Valley and West Hills.

Branches scheduled to be renovated or expanded are North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Valley Plaza and West Valley.