David Adey Installation at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla

This incredible book installation entitled John Henry by artist David Adey is currently on display at the La Jolla Athenaeum Music and Arts Library. Composed of books, sawhorses, steel and cable, this breathtaking archway of books was created specifically for this space. I think it is both elegant and witty. Not to be missed is a video of the installation set on fast forward through the mind-boggling process of suspending the books in mid-air!

Photos copyright of Ingrid Mida, 2010

David Adey lives and works in San Diego. He was nominated for the 2009 San Diego Art Prize and is represented by Luis de Jesus Gallery in LA. On April 3, 2010, visitors to the library are invited to watch the take-down of this awe-inspiring installation, which will be re-installed at the Luis de Jesus Gallery in LA for April 9th - May 15, 2010. 

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

1008 Wall Street

La Jolla, CA 92037

858-454-5872

Beautiful Libraries

My mother was a librarian and often insisted on visiting libraries when we went on holiday. I never appreciated her interest. And yet, now that she is old and frail and cannot travel anymore, I find myself drawn to libraries so that I can tell her about them when I get home.


The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla, California was built and furnished in 1921 by the efforts of Helen Browning Scripps. Antheneum is a Greek term for place of learning , culture and discourse associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and the arts.

This non-profit membership library (one of only 16 in the USA) is devoted to music and the arts and has a collection of books and other media such as DVDs. Concerts and art classes are also offered.

This has to be one of the prettiest libraries I've ever seen. Don't you agree?

Anthenaeum Music and Arts Library
100 Wall Street
La Jolla, California 92037
858-454-5872
www.ljathenaeum.org/home.html