EXHIBIT SHOWCASES PART OF A 175-PIECE COLLECTION FROM
RENOWNED ARTIST, AUTHOR AND EDUCATOR EMILY MARTIN.
Webb Shadle Memorial Library is excited to present an enchanting collection of snow globes from renowned artist and educator Emily Martin throughout the month of March.
This exhibit offers a unique glimpse into Martin’s personal collection of over 175 snow globes,
many of which reflect her travels.
Emily Martin, a celebrated artist and educator, has been collecting snow globes since 1976. Her
fascination with these whimsical objects began when she purchased her first globe from the
Mission gift shop in San Juan Capistrano, CA – a place where it never snows. Over the years, her
collection has grown to include a diverse range of globes, from classic plastic tourist souvenirs to
more modern glass globes with moving parts.
“I love the absurdity of snow globes, and they are my way of recording and remembering my
travels,” says Martin.”I prefer the cheap plastic tourist snow globes, though trends in tourist
souvenirs have made those harder to find.”
The exhibit provides visitors with the opportunity to explore Martin’s delightful snow globe
collection and discover the stories behind each piece. This is a rare public display of Martin’s
beloved collection.
Location: Webb Shadle Memorial Library, 301 W Dallas St, Pleasantville, IA 50225
Exhibit Availability: March 1-31, 2025
Monday & Tuesday:10 a.m. to 12 p.m.;1 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursday
Friday:10 a.m. to 12 p.m.;1 to 5 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Closed Sunday
The exhibit is free and open to the public, offering a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
About Emily Martin
Emily Martin holds an MFA in painting from the University of Iowa and has been teaching at the
University of Iowa’s Center for the Book since 1998. Known for her work with artist books and
paper engineering, Martin has created over fifty limited-edition books, many of which are held in
prestigious collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Library of Congress, and Tate
Britain. She continues to create and teach in Iowa City, IA.
For more information about Emily Martin’s work and her snow globe collection, visit her official
website (official website) and the Pentacrest Museums page on her collection
(https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/let-it-snow).
