For more than a century, the Carnegie-Stout Public Library has connected our community with the arts — a tradition that began when the library first opened its doors in 1902. Today, that legacy continues through Art @ Your Library, a monthly celebration of local creativity held beneath the historic rotunda.
As part of Dubuque’s First Fridays celebrations, the library comes alive each month with alternating exhibits from local artists and musicians, transforming the space into a vibrant gallery at the heart of downtown.
February & March 2026
The February and March exhibit showcases a diverse collection of work from talented local artists. Photography by Maria Araeipour captures her curious cats, while Amanda Miller’s photography focuses on the beauty of Iowa. Rich landscape and seascape oil paintings by Chris Spoerle dring depth and color to the rotunda , while delicate watercolor paintings by Catherine Basten offer softness, movement, and intricate detail.
Together, these artists created a dynamic and engaging gallery experience that highlight the range of creative voices in our community.
Visitors are invited to experience the exhibit in person or take a closer look through our video tour.
Maria Araeipour is a retired high school special education teacher and a lifelong advocate for the arts. Photography has been a constant creative outlet for her since purchasing her first camera in high school. She enjoys capturing people, animals, and landscapes, always ready to document meaningful moments – something made even more accessible through everyday technology like her iPhone.
The title of this exhibition, Curiosity, reflects both its subjects and Maria’s lifelong approach to observing the world. A proud owner of three cats, the show includes photographs of two of them, Rizzo and Charlie, whose naturally inquisitive nature mirrors her own. The exhibition explores two sources of comfort and inspiration for Maria—the natural world and the animal world—which help her cope with stress and reconnect with a sense of wonder. Through curiosity, she continues to engage deeply with life and share that appreciation with others.
Catherine has been drawing and sketching animals since early childhood. All creatures, from frogs and snails to insects and butterflies fascinate her, motivating a deep curiosity about their habitats, diets, and behaviors. Through observing and depicting nature’s beauty, she discovered her artistic muse and developed a lasting passion for wildlife painting. This close observation has strengthened her sense of connection to the natural world and reinforced her commitment to environmental stewardship.
Watercolor is Catherine’s medium of choice, despite its challenges.
Known for being unpredictable and unforgiving, it was a difficult medium to master. For Catherine, watercolor painting is a balance between technique and release—where understanding foundational methods is essential, but learning when to let go is equally important. Finding that balance between control and freedom allows the medium, and the artwork, to come alive.
Amanda Miller was born and raised in Dubuque. With a BA in history she loves traveling, attending theater/opera,and showing American Quarter horses in reined cow horse. In her spare time she enjoys photography, mainly marveling at the stunning rolling hills of Clayton County; challenging the misconception that Iowa is merely flat and filled with corn.
Chris Spoerle is a landscape and seascape oil painter whose work is deeply rooted in his love for nature and his vivid imagination. Raised in Cuba City, Wisconsin, and now based in Epworth, Iowa, Chris has spent 15 years painting professionally, though his passion for the arts has been a lifelong companion.
Chris’s paintings are a celebration of the beauty he sees in the world around him from tranquil landscapes to the ever-changing sea. Inspired by the legendary Bob Ross, Chris approaches each canvas with a sense of freedom, often allowing his brush to lead him to unexpected places.
Whether he’s capturing the serene stillness of a forest or imagining a scene from his dreams, his work reflects both the natural world and the boundless creativity within his mind. Though he has been influenced by Ross’s peaceful approach to painting, Chris brings his own unique style to each piece. His work invites viewers to find their own stories within the vibrant colors and calm scenes, encouraging a deep connection with nature’s quiet moments.
Art @ Your Library is part of Dubuque’s First Fridays celebration, inviting the community to explore local creativity in the heart of downtown.
Our next First Fridays event is Music @ Your Library on March 6, featuring Patient Wolf. This local, indie-punk group is comprised of songwriter William Wilkerson on guitar and vocals, Zach Johnson on bass and vocals, and Brandon Holdorf on drums. With fuzzed-out guitar and rough-hewn yet tuneful lead vocals, Patient Wolf channels the reckless freedom and emotional candor of youth into driving anthems. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert goes from 6 to 7:00 p.m.
Questions about Art or Music @ Your Library? Email art@carnegiestout.org .