Ellen Harvey’s work “The Utopia Machine” invites the public to be a part of the art piece by adding their own suggestions. (photo courtesy of Ellen Harvey)

The Los Angeles Public Library and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles will open “No Prior Art: Illustrations of Invention” at the Central Library’s Getty Gallery as part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide. The exhibition is inspired by the library’s patent and intellectual property resources, and delves into the unexpected stories and perspectives of more than a dozen artists and inventors at the intersection of art, science and social impact.

“Los Angeles Public Library’s newest exhibit No Prior Art exemplifies how libraries are centers of inspiration and invention,” city librarian John F. Szabo said. “We support Angelenos in achieving their own creative goals, offering robust in-person and online resources and also providing do-it-yourself makerspaces where residents can bring their ideas to life.”

No Prior Art features 150 sculptures, photographs, drawings and inventions that celebrate the imaginative spirit of creators throughout American history and showcase the library as a place for creation and invention.

“We are thrilled to participate in PST ART: Art & Science Collide with No Prior Art, a dynamic initiative that celebrates the universal impulse for creation, shining a spotlight on unique stories of interdisciplinary ingenuity and lesser-known inventors,” said Stacy Lieberman, president and CEO of the LFLA. “This landmark exhibition and exciting range of public programs at libraries across the city will help more Angelenos connect with the free access to information, cutting-edge technology and endless inspiration that the Los Angeles Public Library provides.”

A special commission for No Prior Art, “The Utopia Machine” by Ellen Harvey, invites the public to be a part of the exhibition by responding to the question: what would make our world into a utopia? Selected suggestions inspired fictional patent drawings created by Harvey that combine to form a larger artwork. Harvey will continue to add additional ideas to the exhibition.

“The library has always been a major supporter of the arts, be it theater, dance, music, literature or the visual arts,” said Valerie Lynne Shaw, president of the Board of Library Commissioners. “The new exhibit, ‘No Prior Art: Illustrations of Inventions,’ joins a longstanding tradition of the Los Angeles Public Library hosting an array of exhibitions to ­make art accessible to Angelenos.”

No Prior Art will be on view through May 11, 2025, in the Getty and Annenberg galleries on the second floor of LAPL’s Central Library, located at 630 W. 5th St. The exhibition is free and open to the public during Central Library’s standard operating hours.

For information, visit lapl.org.