The Betty Rodriguez Regional Library, located on Cedar and Shields, held an art hop on Thursday, Nov. 15, showcasing a variety of talent from across multiple mediums such as digital art, oil-based paintings and so much more.

The community-driven event highlighted work by Debra Holland, who focuses on 2-D ceramic structures and silhouette clip art; Betty Duggins Castro, an oil-based painter; and Daniela Di Giuliomaria-Giangrande, a photographer, painter, digital artist and graphic designer.

A row of digital images displayed on the wall located next to the front desk along with more work and talent from local artists at the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library on Thursday, Nov. 15. Photo by Peter Lopez

“Art hop [takes place on the] first and third Thursday of the month,” Kelly Barile, supervising library assistant, who says these events typically receive up to 40-50 attendees, said.

According to Barile, the event also provides live music, poetry readings and storytelling. The Betty Rodriguez Regional Library also allows attendees to use an Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset that interacts with the displayed art.

Work from local artists are also displayed at the Woodward Park Regional Library on Champlain and Perrin, although that location presents art only in the building’s entryway, according to Barile.

“You need wall space and some mingling space on the night of the reception,” Barile said. This is what the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library has afforded since a new structure was added three years ago.

Recently relocated to Cedar and Shields, the library, was named after Betty Rodriguez, a local community leader and volunteer, who died in 2012, according to its website.

Those interested in visiting the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library can do so on Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.