Many people dream of one day seeing their book on the shelf of the local library—but what if you could dream of one day seeing your art greeting library visitors as they enter the marble-floored lobby of Martin Library? Now you have a chance to do just that, with Martin Library’s call for art to fill one of the original arched window frames.
Martin Library; Interior view of reproduced window; Exterior view of reproduced window
The windows can’t help but catch your eye as you travel through downtown York and come to the intersection of Market and Queen—those soaring glass panels, outlined in white and filling both the Market and Queen Street sides of the building. They are so iconic of the library (although not unique to it) that the previous Martin Library logo was synonymous with the windows, and the 2022 renovations painstakingly reproduced them in exact detail.
About the Windows
These high, arched windows with lattice features are typical of the architectural period known as Colonial Revival. The windows are known variously as Palladian, Venetian, or serliana, and the Colonial Revival style was so well-loved here in South Central Pennsylvania that its influence lasted far longer than in other parts of the country. This influence can be seen in other downtown historic landmarks in the area, such as the Central Market on Philadelphia Street in York. (see Historic Architecture of Pennsylvania, pages 90-92, and The Elements of Style: An Encyclopedia of Domestic Architectural Detail, pages 112-114). Martin Library, of course, which opened in 1935, was designed and built in that Colonial Revival architectural era.
Although all the current Martin Library windows in that style are reproductions, one of the original windows, complete with glass, was saved during the renovations. Now Martin Library is searching for a local artist to design original artwork to fill the frame.
The call for art asks artists to “envision the future of Martin Library while honoring its history.” This theme fits perfectly with the event where the winning piece will be unveiled—at Martin Library’s October First Friday 90th Birthday Bash! At the Birthday Bash, we’ll be celebrating the past nine decades of Martin Library serving the York community.
Artists are encouraged to visit Martin Library to soak up the energy and aura of this special place for inspiration. For artists that would like a visible reference, the window is available to view by appointment.
Key Details
Full details for the Call for Art: Request for Proposal can be found at https://www.yorklibraries.org/find-a-library/york-martin/#artists, but the basic details are below.
Submission deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025
Dimensions of window: Frame is 54” x 65”; interior glass panels are 11 5/8” wide by 15 5/8” high; arched glass panels are of various sizes
Application: Email medmondson@yorklibraries.org using the subject line of “Submission: Call for Art [first name last name]” with all the required attachments and information
Selection date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Unveiling date: Friday, October 3, 2025, during the Martin Library October First Friday 90th Birthday Bash
Please visit Martin Library’s home page for full details for submissions.
The eyes are the window to the soul—and soon, your art could part of the window inviting folks into Martin Library!