Memorial University’s Library Transforms into 3D Holiday Art

The Queen Elizabeth II Library at Memorial University in St. John’s has been transformed into a miniature holiday masterpiece, thanks to the creative efforts of Gordon Little, the manager of library IT services. This season, a 3D-printed model of the library, complete with festive decorations, captures the essence of the building and its surroundings.

Little, who began this artistic endeavor in 2011, has a tradition of creating unique Christmas cards featuring the library. He describes it as “a very special building” with an “inspirational shape.” This year’s project started in November, taking several hours to print, sand, and paint the intricate model.

In creating the miniature, Little enlisted the help of his children, who excelled at painting the tiny details. “I’ve never tried to paint something so tiny that I had a toothpick to put the little eyes on it,” he remarked. The final touches included faux snow and fairy lights inside the hollow library, which added a magical touch to the display.

Artistic Evolution and Community Engagement

Little’s artistic journey began as a lighthearted project, sparked by his love for art and graphic design. The tradition was born from a simple card depicting the QEII library inside a snow globe. After sharing it with colleagues, the positive feedback inspired him to continue this creative practice annually.

Over the years, Little has experimented with various mediums, including drawings, watercolors, photography, and even cross-stitching. This year, motivated by a Father’s Day gift of a 3D printer, he decided to delve into 3D printing for the first time.

“Some years it’s only a week or two before December and I have no idea what to do,” he noted. Nonetheless, his commitment to crafting these cards remains strong. “I’m going to keep making cards until I retire,” he added, demonstrating his passion for this festive art form.

Community Display and Future Plans

Little shares his creations on social media, but this year’s 3D library is prominently displayed in the lobby of the actual library. “We’ve got this great little display for the holiday season,” he said, emphasizing the joy the project brings to the community.

As the holiday season approaches, the miniature library stands as a testament to creativity and community spirit at Memorial University. Little’s ongoing dedication to this artistic tradition not only showcases the library’s architectural beauty but also fosters a sense of togetherness among colleagues and students alike.