Glendale Libraries outline exhibitions, RFQ and Día de los Muertos turnout

Library staff presented a slate of programs and outreach at the Nov. 20 meeting of the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission, including exhibition, speaker and public‑art opportunities.

Laura Lopez, program coordinator, highlighted Native American Heritage Month programming and said the city has released an RFQ for three public‑art project opportunities intended to create public artwork across civic spaces; the RFQ application deadline is 01/30/2026 at 5 p.m. Lopez also described a solo exhibition of Colombian American artist Carolyn Castaño through Feb. 1, 2026, with an artist talk set for Jan. 22, 2026, and an online author event with David Brooks scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026.

Staff also screened a promotional video featuring student commissioners; Lopez thanked the GTV team and said, "The commission is the first to see this video." Staff later reported the Central Library’s Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1 drew over 1,300 guests, featured Aztec and Ballet Folklórico performances and community activities, and noted Soroptimist International of Glendale provided food for the event. Staff said Commission sponsorship supports the Be the Change initiative, which helped underwrite the program.

Why it matters: The RFQ opens three opportunities for public art in Glendale and sets a fixed application deadline; exhibitions and author talks represent programming the commission funds or promotes and help shape public engagement with local arts.

Next steps: Staff said photos and documentation of the Beyond the Box vinyl‑wrap installations will be shared at the next meeting when available.