The first concept is a glass-blown gateway into the library with an array of bright colors that would softly filter sunlight during the day. Hand-drawings of Willow Glen scenes, such as trees, the old library and the old fire station, would be embedded in the glass gateway art. Ruth will work with the community to better understand what they would like to see in these drawings.

The second approved concept is a series of windows made out of blown glass, also using bright colors, that would line the west side of the new library.

Ruth was the artist chosen at the Jan. 18 community meeting by an art committee made up of Willow Glen residents.

The committee met at the library and listened to each of the three artists--Ruth, Anne Storrs and Jon Rubin--present their ideas for the public art portion of the new library.

The selection was close. Residents at the meeting went through two rounds of voting.

At the public art meeting, however, there were no comments from the few community members present.

San Jose Public Art Commissioner Francis Czyz was at the Jan. 18 meeting and saw how Ruth's pieces captured the sunlight through the glass.

He told the commissioners, "It's too bad we couldn't see some samples of his work. To see the glass itself is spectacular."

Commissioner Ruth Tunstall-Grant did express concern about an element in one of the concepts.

Since the archway is such a strong piece as it is, the artist will have to be very careful with trying to inset those historic concepts, Tunstall-Grant said. "I suggest to the artist to really think about that. 'Is it really going to make my piece better, or am I just doing this for the community?' "

The proposal for the two designs costs $13,000. The total budgeted for the fabrication and installation of the public art is $88,963, said public art project manager Jennifer Easton.

The aging 41-year-old Willow Glen library, 1157 Minnesota Ave., is approximately 5,330 square feet. The city plans to expand it to 13,000 square feet. The renovation will also expand the parking lot from 27 to a maximum of 50 spaces. The one-story remodel is scheduled for completion by spring 2008.

To see Ruth's work or to contact him, visit www.davidruth.com.