On Exhibit

On Display in the Atrium & Community Room

Community Room

September Gallery Showcase Artist:  TBD
Exhibit: TBD
Dates: TBD

Atrium

Votes for Women: The Work Must Be Done

Inspired by the words of notable Black reformer and political activist Mary Townsend Seymour, “The work must be done,” the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History presents exciting new research about the women of color who worked for women’s suffrage. Barred from many suffrage organizations led by white women, these active leaders developed their own associations, both nationwide and state-based, to achieve social and political reforms, including working for woman suffrage. These four exhibit banners include QR codes for viewers to access an accompanying website: connecticutmuseum.org/wocvotes

Exhibit on display at Otis Library now through October 5th. Sponsored by a Civic Engagement Grant through Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for our Voices and Votes series. This series includes:

• From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals “1776” and “Hamilton” on Wednesday, September 30.
• A Vote of Her Own: The Fight for Women’s Suffrage in Connecticut on Monday, October 5.
• Mother Jones: The Most Dangerous Woman in America on Monday, November 9.
• Hidden History: World War I & II Propaganda Posters on Thursday, November 19.

On Display in the Display Cases:

Presenter: Cape Verdean/Santiago Society
Exhibit: Cape Verdean Heritage in Norwich
Dates:  Sept, 2026

Explore the rich history and lasting contributions of Norwich’s Cape Verdean community through photographs, maps, newspaper articles, personal stories, and cultural artifacts. This special display traces generations of Cape Verdean families in Norwich, highlighting their neighborhoods, traditions, music, community life, and the people who helped shape the city’s history.
 
September Book Display:
Books, Ballots, & the Right to Vote

Explore the history of voting rights in America through books highlighting the people, movements, and struggles that helped expand access to the ballot. From women’s suffrage and civil rights to the continuing pursuit of equality and representation, this display celebrates those who worked to make every voice count.

Explore World Cultures: Japan

Discover the rich culture and traditions of Japan through our latest Explore World Cultures display. Explore books and films featuring Japanese art, food, folklore, literature, manga, history, and everyday life. From samurai and woodblock prints to Pokémon and contemporary stories, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Permanent Displays

Art by Dan Topalis

Dan Topalis has been painting and drawing since 1976. When he lived in Philadelphia, he would draw the homeless sleeping on the benches in the park. Now living in Norwich, he has continued his passion of painting people he sees. He has always loved each person, appreciating that there is a story in every person’s face. He chooses people whose faces intrigue him. 

Dan’s work is a permanent fixture at Otis Library. There are pieces on display throughout the building. Additional pieces are featured periodically in the Community Room on the second floor, when another exhibit is not on display.  

“Children of the World” by Lavanya Shubhakar

Lavanya Shubhakar, local artist and Director of Education at Mystic Museum of Art, created a multi-panel artwork titled Children of the World for Otis Library. The panels focus on cultures of various regions/countries and feature children of all abilities and ages. Lavanya’s main goal for the project is for all viewers to find a part of themselves in the artwork. 

To view her installation, please visit the Children’s Department on the second floor of Otis Library. 

This project was made possible by the Norwich ARPA grants for arts and culture awarded to Lavanya by the Cultural Coalition in partnership with the City of Norwich.

Children’s Playroom Mural by Carolyn McNeil

Carolyn McNeil is a local artist who volunteered over 30 hours and donated the supplies to create this beautiful mural to brighten our playroom. She works as a muralist, spreading joy and art throughout the area. 

A large tree stretches from floor to ceiling. Its branches are home to little native woodland creatures. Green fields reach about half way up the wall.

Papier-Mâché Art by Pamela Spiro Wagner

Pamela Spiro Wagner is an accomplished author, poet and artist who lives with schizophrenia.  Pamela is a graduate of Brown University, and briefly attended medical school.  Through her art, poetry and writing, she tries to express the experience of mental illness and mental health.  With her twin sister, psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn Spiro, she wrote the extraordinary book Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and their Journey through Schizophrenia, which received the national NAMI Outstanding Literature Award and was a finalist for the Connecticut Book Award.  The artist generously donated these pieces to Otis Library in 2009.

The Papier-Mâché Doctor wears a blue shirt of many shades in a seemingly random pattern. His light brown skin is accented with small, confetti-like pieces of color. The colors represent mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.
The Papier-Mâché child wears a peach and blue tank top. His dark brown skin is accented with small, confetti-like pieces of color. The colors represent mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.

“The View of My Town”  by Samson Tonton

Local artist Samson Tonton’s piece, “The View of My Town,” is on permanent display in the Otis Library Community Room. The piece is his interpretation of the City of Norwich. Mr. Tonton has exhibited his work at Otis Library several times over the years, always to rave reviews!  We are so grateful for this very generous donation.

Samson Tonton and then Director Bob Farwell stand next to "The View of My Town."

“Waterfall”  by Faith Satterfield

Donated in 2016, this piece is a juxtaposition of an aerial map view and standing right in front of flowing water. This harbor town is made better by the water that flows through it – water brings a place of peace and quiet, even when it roars. 

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