The Old Library Art Studios (OLAS), located in Auburn's historic Carnegie Library Building.



OLAS Artists in Residence
Front row from left: Deanna Marsh, Merridee Joan Smith, Thien Dao
Back row: Gerda Francesca, B.C. Brooks, Paula Amerine, Kerry Clark.

The Old Library Art Studios (OLAS)

A project of PlacerArts

Olas: (Spanish) n. waves

Mission

To provide affordable studio space for artists while bringing new life to Auburn's historic Carnegie Library Building.

Vision

The old library building is a self-supporting source of creative energy that enhances the cultural life of the City of Auburn.

A community of artists' studios in the once-empty historic building fills the space with waves of creativity that flow out to the community. It is a place of positive cooperative effort and a source of great pride.

There are currently five artists in residence at OLAS. Please click on the artist name below to view the artist's profile on PlacerArts' Artist Registry:

Gerda Francesca - clay sculpture & mixed media

Paula Amerine - oil, pastel & acrylic

Thien Dao - clay sculpture

Merridee Joan Smith- dyes on silk, felting

Deanna Marsh - copper, aluminum and kiln-formed glass sculpture

Background

The Auburn City Library, organized in 1906, was opened to the public ion December 27 of that year. Application was made to the Andrew Carnegie Corporation in 1907 for funds to construct a library building, and a $10,000 grant was approved the same year.

Property owned by W.B. Lardner at 175 Almond Street was chosen as the site, and construction began in April 1908. The library was dedicated on May 26, 1909. The building served as a library until 1968 when the City and County Library systems were combined and a new library opened at 350 Nevada St.

The Almond Street building was vacated at that time, and lay dormant until 1983 when the Arts Council of Placer County, formerly known as Artcetera, occupied it and developed the Auburn Arts Center. There, many exhibitions and programs in visual and performing arts were enjoyed by the public until 1997, when the Arts Council of Placer County, now known as PlacerArts, relocated its office to downtown Auburn.

Through a grant from the Auburn Foundation and matched by the City of Auburn, renovation of the historic building began in 1998. Initial renovation projects were completed and the building was readied for a new life as the Old Library Art Studio. A re-dedication ceremony was held on May 26, 2001.

At the turn of the millennium, the beautiful old library building was designated as a historic landmark.

Open by Appointment
175 Almond St.
Auburn CA 95603
(530)887-8216

Are you a professional artist interested in applying for an OLAS residency?

How to Apply

• Application form


• Artist biography and/or statement


• Resume


• Samples of work (digital preferred)

About samples of your work

You are urged to pay special attention to the quality of the work samples you submit. These must demonstrate your artistry and should reflect the specific discipline or disciplines you plan to work in. Be sure to include samples of recent work. Submit up to 10 images of your work.

We strongly recommend that applicants create a profile on PlacerArts' online artist registry.

PlacerArts is not responsible for any damage to or loss of support material, although all reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of all application materials. Do not send originals.