The library collection of the late Ed Harvey, artist and Allan Hancock College fine arts instructor, can now be found on display at the school. The collection of more than 600 art and coffee table books will become part of the library’s permanent collection.
Harvey’s wife, Mary Harvey, has donated the books collected by the artist throughout his life. Many of the large books are out of print, brought back from Harvey’s travels and many trips to museums throughout the world. Though Harvey was an art instructor, his interests expanded well beyond the fine arts, and his books cover such varied subjects as astronomy, archaeology, history, and fantasy. Some books cover the history and art of ancient cultures, and one large book is filled with photos of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages. There’s an entire book devoted to snowflakes and their designs and another devoted to dragons.
Selections from Harvey’s book collection are on display in the library on the college’s Santa Maria campus through October. Almost all of the books are available for check out. For more information or to become a Friend of the Library for a minimum donation of $25 a year, call 922-6966, Ext. 3224.
This article appears in Oct 13-20, 2011.
