Student Artwork on Display
The Howell Carnegie Library, in partnership with local schools, is pleased to display artwork from St. Joseph Catholic School in the Youth Services Department of the library. Displays are scheduled to change every month during the school year.
Featured Artists
The Howell Carnegie Library, in partnership with the Livingston Fine Art Association, is pleased to display artwork from 2 local artists in the East and West Wings of the library. Displays are scheduled to change every other month.
For more information on the Livingston Fine Art Association.
Hover over image to view more information about the artwork.
Carolyn Sdunek
Artist Information
Hello, I am Carolyn Sdunek, and I do artwork using copper, glass, wire, and other materials. I became interested in working with glass as a child, when I observed a glass “blower” at Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village Museum. Copper work came about when I saw some copper mobiles on a television craft show. I thought “I can do that, and do it better.” I started with tooling copper sheet, copper wire, and commercial glass beads, making various kinds of mobiles.
I also work with flame work glass making beads, sculptures, and blown items that are too small to be easily exhibited here. If interested in these, please contact me at the information below.
Carolyn’s work can be found in the East Wing of the Library for the months of July and August 2026.
Contact Information:
517-546-1027 | carolynscreations@charter.net
Karen Gebarowski
Artist Information
Karen began painting after the birth of her second child at the age of 25. She started painting in oils by taking a “Tole Painting” class. Her husband used his woodworking skills to cut out shapes and make plaques out of wood. Karen would paint them with much detail and whimsy. She found success selling her items at craft shows and was able to bring in a second income for her family. Over the years, she learned other mediums, like acrylic, watercolor, and pastels. She is mostly self-taught through lots of practice and loves learning how to improve her painting skills. She took a few art classes at Eastern Michigan University when she returned to college after many years. She became an elementary teacher at age 43. She calls herself the “Poster Child for Change” and encourages others to follow their dreams. Karen is the co-owner of Oceanside Seafood in Howell and has painted the countertops and walls with fish and ocean animals.
Karen’s work can be found in the West Wing of the Library for the months of July and August 2026.
Contact Information:
810-923-6855 | karengebarowski@yahoo.com
Permanent Artwork
The Howell Carnegie District Library is home to several pieces of artwork. The various statuary pays tribute to those individuals who have made a lasting impact at the library. We hope you take time to walk around the library grounds and enjoy the ‘Art on Display’
Hover over image to view more information about the artwork.
Martha's Friends
In 2010, a bronze statue at the base of the front steps of the library depicting two children sitting on a bench enjoying an open book was dedicated to Martha McKenzie. Martha was a long time librarian and friend to all who visited the library.
McKenzie, who died of cancer in 2008, became involved with the library through the Friends group before becoming a paid staff member in 1985.
The statue in front of the library was paid for entirely through donations from those in the community who were personally touched by McKenzie’s dedication and service.
Boy and Girl Under Umbrella
The original library statue of a little boy and girl holding an umbrella, was given to the Howell Carnegie Library during the First World War, by the Howell Women’s Club. Cast in Zinc and installed in the center of a medium sized ground basin.
The statue adorned the lawn until 1981, when it was replaced because of damage, by a replica.
Storytime
In 2014, a bronze statue on the east side of the library’s lower level, was dedicated to Mary Lou Annatoyn.
Mary Lou Annatoyn was an advocate for children and a member of the Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library from 1981 until 2008.
The statue was paid for entirely through donations from those in the community who were personally touched by Mary Lou.
Duane Zemper
In 2018, a bronze statue of Duane Zemper was dedicated on the southeast corner of the library grounds.
He was a decorated World War II veteran, a professional photographer in the Howell area for nearly 50 years, an active volunteer with the Howell Area Archives (now Howell Carnegie Library Archives) and a Howell Rotarian.
The Duane Zemper Legacy Project committee is a collaboration of the Howell Rotary, The Howell Carnegie District Library and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The group was formed to memorialize the enormous contribution to Howell by the man fondly known as “Zemp.”
View the Duane Zemper Legacy Statue Symbology Document