This design conceptually explores immigration, which is an issue with direct ties to the spirit and community of The Athenaeum Foundation.  Das Deutsche Haus was originally created as a social and community center for German immigrants in Indianapolis to feel safe, welcome, and celebrated.  Such a place continues to be necessary today for all immigrants, and especially refugees. Das Deutsche Haus changed its name to The Athenaeum in 1918 due to anti-German sentiment after World War I.  Today, there is still similar judgement and stereotypes placed on certain immigrant populations.  This artwork draws attention to such a complex issue, while also celebrating the historical context of German immigrants in the Indianapolis community.

Owens + Crawley are an Indianapolis-based team of artists who work in complement with each other. Quincy creates abstract work out of a spontaneous spirit-filled place that taps into a universal human connection. Luke deliberately dissects, analyzes and categorizes segments of sound, light and/or visual elements to quantify and rearrange them into new, well thought-out systems. Both artists work from different realms of the mind, each providing part of the complete existence of human reality.

This work is part of The Public Collection, which is a public art and literacy project developed by Rachel M. Simon to improve literacy, foster a deeper appreciation of the arts (and artists), and promote social and educational justice in our community. Each book share station holds a varied selection of books for diverse audiences and age groups. The Public Collection stations are free and available to everyone. Passersby can borrow and return books at their leisure. Books are supplied and stocked by the Indianapolis Public Library.