The non-circulating collection includes approximately 125 books — primarily involving art, Celtic and garden topics – that were owned by Kathryn Gough and which inspired her during her artistic endeavors. The books are donated by her parents, and the collection continues to grow.

Kathryn Gough, who passed away in 2011, was an accomplished local artist whose impact reached beyond her local roots. She was born in 1968 to Joy (Olcott) and Alan Gough of Chillicothe.

While earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts cum laude from Columbus College of Art and Design, Kathryn Gough was invited to exhibit her paintings at the Nicolae Gallerie in Columbus and went on to host solo shows there.

Kathryn’s paintings celebrate the natural world and the harmony that can be experienced when connecting to it. She has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows throughout Ohio and beyond. Her work can be found in many private collections through the United States, as well as the public collections of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southern State Community College and Shawnee State University.

Beyond the dedication, other highlights of the program will include a display of the Hopewell Ball ornament that was created for the White House Christmas tree in 2007 and a presentation by Bruce Lombardo, “The Arts and Achievements of the Hopewell Culture.” A reception will follow.

Lombardo currently works for Hopewell Cultural National Historical Park in Chillicothe. He is the founder of The Heartland Earthworks Conservatory, which strives to preserve the ancient earthworks of Ohio’s mound-building cultures as well as raise citizen awareness and stewardship of these rapidly disappearing sites.

Lombardo has worked in various conservation and education positions throughout the world during his 30-plus year long career. He has a particular enthusiasm for birds, especially their songs. His love of nature has often carried him off to faraway places, and Lombardo has worked in Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Zimbabwe and, most recently, South Africa.