In Thursday’s Butler Eagle, staff reported on a new program at Mars Area Public Library in collaboration with the Cranberry Artists Network.

“Project Art in the Library” features works of art created by members of the art network, a group that promotes artistic appreciation in Cranberry and the surrounding area through connecting artists and their skills with the community. The art will be displayed on the walls inside the Mars Area Public Library building, and will rotate every six months.

This is a fantastic opportunity for artists to sell their work in a proper setting, as visitors are able to purchase artwork they especially enjoy — with 30% of the proceeds going to benefit the library and the rest going to the artist.

It has been said that people who create art sometimes are taken advantage of, even by people who are close to them.

Artists are often asked by friends and family members to create a painting or drawing for free, when, in reality, their work may be valued at hundreds of dollars in the art market.

Some people see art at vendor shows and galleries and turn away, claiming the pieces are too expensive. Others say art is not a “necessity” but instead is a “luxury” purchase.

Because of such attitudes, artists can get used to feeling their work is under-appreciated — which goes to the heart of what makes Project Art in the Library such a genius idea. It gets artists’ names and their work out in the community, where people who will truly appreciate it may see something they want to buy. And it gives the library a boost in the process.

Count it as a win for the humanities.

We commend everyone involved in the creation of this program, as well as artists who continue to hone their craft and create despite the odds.

—CM