WESTWOOD—The Westwood Free Public Library is displaying artwork by a friend, the late Patricia “Pat” Stella, who gave much to the library and its patrons.
Throughout June, patrons can view Stella’s unique pottery in the display case next to the main entrance. Her oil paintings — they’re intricate, depicting realistic-looking flowers, vines and gardening tools — are above the new books section, just past the main desk.
Library director Martha Urbiel says Stella’s deep appreciation for craftsmanship came from her father, an art collector, professional framer, and talented builder. He inspired her to pursue various media, including oil painting, photography, stained glass, ceramics and watercolor. Stella tackled each challenge with curiosity and enthusiasm, and produced impressive pieces of artwork that patrons can now view and admire.
She passed in February 2023, at 73; her zest for life and creation continues to inspire. While working here part-time, she used her gardening skills to make the external areas of the library aesthetically beautiful and inviting. She invested time and care into the library’s garden. She spoke fluent Spanish and often created bilingual materials for the library. This significantly expanded accessibility and encouraged Spanish-speaking patrons to participate in library events and services. She was an experienced literacy tutor, bringing English As a Second Language to life for those who came to the library in search of tools toward a better life.
Her joy at life leapt off the canvas and off the page. Her obituary says in part that she sang with the Our Lady of Good Counsel Choir in the Township of Washington, supporting local school events and booster associations, working in the public library system in both Westwood and Norwood, and volunteering at the Art School at Old Church in Demarest.
Inspired by Stella’s legacy and impact on the library, Urbiel suggested that her artwork be displayed here. She told us last week, “Pat Stella represented everything the library stood for. She was a kind spirit who brought people together.”
This sentiment was exemplified at the intimate reception hosted by the library when the art was installed in April. Friends and members of different communities came to the library to honor the artist and her work.
Again, from her obituary: “No matter where she resided, Pat made new and lasting friendships, quickly turning friends into family. To those who knew her, she was sought after for her extensive knowledge of gardening; admired for her creative spirit and artistic talents—including stained glass, watercolor painting, knitting, and ceramics; and loved for her radiance, compassion, and generosity. A true lover of nature, she cared for and nurtured all that she touched, be it plant, animal, or person. She will be deeply missed.”
[Editor’s note: This is a library that preserves the past with an eye to empowering the future: In 2023, the library community gathered to remember Shaigun “Shy” Touba, 96, a beloved member of the Friends of the Library and a library employee, who passed in April 2021. In her memory, with a gift from the Touba Family Foundation, friends took a bare patch on the downtown library grounds and turned it into a garden.]