Artist of the Month
Every month, the library highlights a local artist by exhibiting their work in the Dr. E. Irene Boardman Community Room.
The exhibit area is open to the public during regular library hours. The Community Room is used for programs and events; so, guests wanting to view the artwork should check ahead of time to see if the exhibit will be accessible.
If you would like to exhibit art at the Prospect Public Library, we would love to host you. Call us at 203.758.3001, email korenprospectlibrary@gmail.com.​, or complete the New Artist Submission Form below.
February Artist:
Joseph Nolan
During the month of February, the Prospect Public Library will be featuring the paintings of local artist Joseph Nolan.
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The Prospect Public Library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 to 5, Tuesday and Thursday 10 to 7, and Saturday 10 to 3. The library is closed on Saturday during July and August. Please call us at 203.758.3001 or visit our website, www.prospectlibrary.com, with any inquiries.
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Artist Bio:
Joseph P. Nolan is an artist from Waterbury, CT. He received an Associates Degree in Art from Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport, CT in 2019. He earned a B.A. in Art from Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT in May 2023. Nolan graduated from the MFA program at Western Connecticut State University in May, 2025.
Earlier in his career, Joe taught technology education for several years in the Bridgeport school system and the Waterbury school system. He has exhibited his artwork in the Waterbury Hospital Art Corridor and the Prospect Public Library. His last exhibit was at the Blue Mountain Gallery in New York City in July 2025. Joseph is a realist painter. He continues to create art and bring beauty to the world.
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Artist Statement:
Pope Francis has said that an artist is an apostle of beauty. That statement has become my mantra. If there is a way to bring beauty or to enhance beauty in this world, then I want to be part of that endeavor. One method to sharpen my skills has been to copy the work of master artists from different eras. I also have done artwork that revolves around my family and daily life. I have done portrait paintings of my three children. Some might think that my imagery is like opening a diary of my life.
Another project has been to paint the portraits of Waterbury veterans both living and deceased as well as those missing in action as a way to remember and honor them. As a Gold Star Father and Vietnam veteran, this work has significant meaning for me.
The story of Vincent Van Gogh who started painting later in life has been an inspiration. The late Jacob Lawrence is another artist who combined story telling and history in his paintings. He, also, has been a role model for me in my pursuit to create art. I recently completed a painting course at Tunxis Community College. It was taught by Jon Sideriatis, a nationally known illustrator. Painting landscapes was a highlight of this course.
