OREGON – The Oregon Library hosted a program on May 11 for the Eagle’s Nest Art Group.
Library director Hilaree Lombardo and children’s librarian Deborah Herman spoke to the group about the internationally known Eagle’s Nest Art Colony Collection, including the story of how the Library got the collection of paintings and sculptures in the early 1900s.
Many stories that surround the collection were also shared, including the theft of one painting (Cabbage Patch by William Wendt) in 1991 and the work of the FBI to recover it. The painting was returned in 1994 to the library and is currently on display along with a second Wendt painting titled Sentinels of the Palace Ground.

Art pieces from the collection have been shown in London, Dublin, Texas and California. They have also been on loan to the Art Institute in Chicago and the Rockford Art Museum for special exhibits.
The story of these artists and their works has been researched and is included in the 2015 book titled “The Art of Oregon” written by local author Beth Baker Simeone. Copies of the book can be checked out at the library. The book may also be purchased at the library. All proceeds are used to support and conserve the Eagle’s Nest Art Gallery and to perpetuate the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony’s goal of bringing art to the community.  
The library also has a contemporary art collection of art work by noted local artists, including three works by ENAG founder Harry Nurmet.
The library’s gallery is open free to the public during regular library hours, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.