August 18, 2026
It can beautify public spaces, commemorate people or events, or express a community’s personality or distinctiveness. While public art can do all these things, it is also subjective. Bloomfield Township Public Library’s upcoming program, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Public Art,” seeks to explore the many questions around public art and its purpose.
What is art and who is it for? How does art enhance the public realm? During the program, speaker Max Grinell will address these questions and discuss the role of public art in American cities. Attendees will also discover how public art shapes our understanding of urban spaces and how different public art projects can truly be exercises in community building and consciousness-raising.
Grinnell is an urbanologist and author who has worked with the American Institute of Architects, the Chicago Public Library, the Newberry Library, the city of Chicago’s Cultural Affairs Department, Frommer’s, Fodor’s Travel + Leisure, Boston University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Chicago.
“Public art is all around us. It’s here at the Library in the form of sculptures and wall art, and it is at museums, gardens, and public spaces throughout the township, county, and state,” said Laura J. Kraly, Head of the Library’s Adult and Teen Services Department. “While we see public art frequently, we often don’t think about its purpose or meaning. This program will help participants consider public art on a different level and better understand its value to the community.”
The free, adult program will be presented at the Library on Thursday, August 27, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Registration is required.
