On Exhibit
On Display in the Atrium & Community Room
Community Room
Portraits by Dan Topalis
Born in Norwich, Connecticut, Dan Topalis is a lifelong artist and advocate for the visual arts. A graduate of the Norwich Free Academy (Class of 1973), he continued his studies at Mohegan Community College and later at the Philadelphia College of Art from 1976 to 1981. From 1981 to 1984, he was a gallery artist at The Portico Gallery in Philadelphia before returning to Connecticut in 1986.
Dan has exhibited his work widely, including at the Southern Allegany Museum, Philadelphia Cultural Society, Agora Gallery in NYC, and multiple galleries throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. His work is part of several permanent collections, including Quest Diagnostics (NJ), the Slater Museum, Otis Library, and Reliance House (all in Norwich, CT).
He has received multiple honors, including two grants from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, an NAACP Centennial Award (2nd Place), and support from the Margaret Darrell Foundation. His work is also held in numerous private collections.
In addition to his artistic practice, Dan has served as a gallery owner and director at several Norwich venues, including 114 Main Street Gallery, Rose City Gallery, and the Gallery at the Wauregan, contributing to the local arts community from 2007 to 2013.
On display throughout July 2025.
Atrium
On Display in the Displays Cases:
Throughout the month of July, explore a fascinating exhibit of rocks, minerals, and fossils in the Atrium display cases. This unique collection showcases the natural beauty and diversity of geological specimens, offering visitors an up-close look at treasures from the Earth’s past.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Thames Valley Rockhounds for generously sharing this exhibit. Their passion and expertise bring an educational and visually stunning experience to our space, perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the hidden wonders beneath our feet!
On Display in the Atrium:
Looking for the perfect summer escape? Find your next great Beach Read at Otis Library! Whether you’re headed to the shore or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the sun, we’ve curated a special selection of fiction titles to keep you turning pages all summer long.
Browse a wide variety of genres—from gripping mysteries and heartwarming romances to edge-of-your-seat thrillers—handpicked to suit every kind of reader. These books are available to borrow right from the Atrium display, making it easy to grab a great read on the go.
The Beach Reads display will be available July 1–31, 2025. Stop by and discover your next favorite book!
Permanent Displays
Art by Dan Topalis
Dan Topalis has been painting and drawing since 1976. When he lived in Philadelphia, he would draw the homeless sleeping on the benches in the park. Now living in Norwich, he has continued his passion of painting people he sees. He has always loved each person, appreciating that there is a story in every person’s face. He chooses people whose faces intrigue him.
Dan’s work is a permanent fixture at Otis Library. There are pieces on display throughout the building. Additional pieces are featured periodically in the Community Room on the second floor, when another exhibit is not on display.
“Children of the World” by Lavanya Shubhakar
Lavanya Shubhakar, local artist and Director of Education at Mystic Museum of Art, created a multi-panel artwork titled Children of the World for Otis Library. The panels focus on cultures of various regions/countries and feature children of all abilities and ages. Lavanya’s main goal for the project is for all viewers to find a part of themselves in the artwork.
To view her installation, please visit the Children’s Department on the second floor of Otis Library.
This project was made possible by the Norwich ARPA grants for arts and culture awarded to Lavanya by the Cultural Coalition in partnership with the City of Norwich.
Children’s Playroom Mural by Carolyn McNeil
Carolyn McNeil is a local artist who volunteered over 30 hours and donated the supplies to create this beautiful mural to brighten our playroom. She works as a muralist, spreading joy and art throughout the area.
Papier-Mâché Art by Pamela Spiro Wagner
Pamela Spiro Wagner is an accomplished author, poet and artist who lives with schizophrenia. Pamela is a graduate of Brown University, and briefly attended medical school. Through her art, poetry and writing, she tries to express the experience of mental illness and mental health. With her twin sister, psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn Spiro, she wrote the extraordinary book Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and their Journey through Schizophrenia, which received the national NAMI Outstanding Literature Award and was a finalist for the Connecticut Book Award. The artist generously donated these pieces to Otis Library in 2009.
“The View of My Town” by Samson Tonton
Local artist Samson Tonton’s piece, “The View of My Town,” is on permanent display in the Otis Library Community Room. The piece is his interpretation of the City of Norwich. Mr. Tonton has exhibited his work at Otis Library several times over the years, always to rave reviews! We are so grateful for this very generous donation.
“Waterfall” by Faith Satterfield
Donated in 2016, this piece is a juxtaposition of an aerial map view and standing right in front of flowing water. This harbor town is made better by the water that flows through it – water brings a place of peace and quiet, even when it roars.
