“Cleveland Public Library made an important impact on my early artistic development. I’m largely self-taught as an artist, and most of my education took place in the Library’s Fine Arts collection. I remember walking through the stacks and pulling books off the shelf to learn about an artist I wasn’t familiar with. The Library enhanced my knowledge and my deep interest in contemporary art. Later, I received my first big commission from Cleveland Public Library for a mural in Brett Hall (“Night Sky: Cleveland 1978”). That had a positive impact on my career, no doubt. Even now, all these years later, I can go into that room and still feel proud.” –Chris Pekoc, Artist