Cumberland County Public Library is proud to announce textile artist Kia Love has been selected as its first ever artist in residence.

Following a competitive process that included a request for proposals and interviews conducted by a community panel, Love was chosen to lead the library’s new initiative: Creative Collaborations: Artist in Residence at Cumberland County Public Library. 

Love is a highly-qualified textile artist with extensive experience facilitating workshops and creating art for public installations that foster community dialogue. Throughout her residency, she will deliver high quality arts programming across all eight Cumberland County Public libraries.

The residency will culminate in an exhibit titled “Woven Connections,” which will showcase the artistic journey and community engagement that took place throughout the program. The exhibit will feature a collection of textile works including tapestries, wall hangings and interactive installations that explore the themes of community, connection and creativity.

Drawing inspiration from the conversations and relationships formed during the residency, the exhibit will reflect the library’s role as a vibrant community hub. The textile pieces will incorporate materials, colors and patterns that reflect the community's stories, experiences and cultural heritage of Cumberland County residents.

“My artistic practice focuses on textiles, community engagement and sustainability,” Love said in a press release. “I believe that art has the power to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations and inspire new perspectives. Through this residency, I aim to create interactive and immersive art experiences that engage library patrons and encourage community participation.”

To learn more about Kia Love, visit kialove.com/about. For more information about the Artist in Residence program, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/library/artist-in-residence or email creativecollaborations@cumberlandcountync.gov.

This program was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-259195-OLS-25).