Overview
The Wyndham Robertson Library is accepting applications for a large student art piece for our third floor study nook. The library is open to a variety of mediums and techniques limited to two-dimensional works. Painting, digital works, photography, and collages are all welcome.
We are open to a wide variety of subject matter and art. The overarching mission of the library’s art is listed below. Submitted art is not required to adhere to these mission values, but is expected to not contradict or undermine them.
- Inspire – we hope for the artwork of the library to fuel creativity and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Reflect – we want the artwork of the library to be a reflection of the diverse and myriad communities that make up our campus and the Roanoke area.
- Elevate – we want the artwork of the library to uplift voices that have historically been left out and overlooked.
This will be our second study nook with work by a student artist. Last spring, Mujdah Rasikh ’27 completed a mural on the ground floor.
Important Dates
Application opens: Monday, October 6th
Application due: Monday, November 3rd
Selection notification: by week of December 8th
Artwork creation: Spring 2026
Submission Instructions
We encourage artists to apply with multiple ideas, and are accepting applications that include one to three concepts for the space. Artists may utilize one to all three of the walls of the nook, and we encourage artists to use a large portion of the space. A template of the space including items attached to the wall is provided; please use this as a template for your sketch or draft design. The photograph provided includes furniture in the space. We encourage artists to visit the nook – it is in the hallway across from the water fountains.
Third Floor Study Nook Template – PNG
Third Floor Study Nook Template – PPTX (PowerPoint)
Third Floor Study Nook Template – PDF
Third Floor Study Nook – photograph of space
Eligibility and conditions
Applications are only open to currently enrolled Hollins University undergraduate students. It is required that artists have knowledge of their chosen materials and mediums.
- Submitted artworks are expected to adhere to fair use and CAA code of best practices in fair use in the visual arts (read more about the CAA code). In particular, artists should avoid the use of copyrighted material that does not generate new artistic meaning and is not transformative.
- The piece is not permanent and will remain in place for a period of time determined by the library; we anticipate it will be in place for at least one year. The library may remove or cover the work after that period.
- Artists are limited to 31 working hours on the mural.
Compensation
- The artist will be paid $400 upon completion. (The amount is subject to tax.)
- Up to a $150 stipend for supplies.
- The library will host an opening reception and the piece will be highlighted on the library’s social media channels.
Contact
Rebecca Seipp Behnisch
Assistant University Librarian
540-362-6328
seipprl@hollins.edu