THE GALLERY Upstairs
The Gallery Upstairs extends the Institute Library’s long tradition of curiosity, conversation, and cultural exchange through contemporary art. Situated within one of New Haven’s most distinctive literary institutions, the gallery presents exhibitions that explore the relationships among books, language, archives, collections, memory, and the visual arts.
Throughout the year, exhibitions bring together emerging and established artists whose work engages ideas connected to reading, writing, knowledge, and the life of the imagination. Many exhibitions are developed in dialogue with materials from the Institute Library’s collections, creating unexpected connections between contemporary artistic practice and nearly two centuries of library history.
The Gallery Upstairs presents approximately four exhibitions each year, accompanied by artist talks, readings, conversations, and other public programs that invite visitors to experience the library in new ways.
Curatorial Vision
Since 2016, exhibitions have been organized by resident curator Martha Willette Lewis, a visual artist, curator, and educator whose practice centers on drawing, books, site-specific installation, knowledge, and the history of science. Her exhibitions reflect the Institute Library’s unique character by creating thoughtful conversations between contemporary art and the library’s collections.
The gallery continues a tradition established by earlier curators, including Stephen Kobasa, whose exhibitions helped establish the space as an important venue for contemporary art in New Haven.
Many exhibitions include opportunities for artists to participate through open calls. We welcome submissions from those whose work thoughtfully engages themes related to books, language, libraries, archives, collections, or other forms of cultural inquiry.
Learn more about upcoming opportunities, submission guidelines, and proposal requirements.
Exhibition Reviews
A Community of Artists to support
The Gallery Upstairs is a nonprofit exhibition space presented by the Institute Library. We present exhibitions without charging artists exhibition fees and are committed to supporting new work, thoughtful dialogue, and a welcoming community of artists, writers, readers, scholars, and visitors.
The Gallery is sustained through the generosity of members, donors, foundations, and volunteers whose support makes exhibitions and public programming possible.
Whether you are visiting an exhibition, attending an event, submitting your work, becoming a member, or making a contribution, you help ensure that this unique space for books, ideas, and contemporary art continues to thrive.