New Exhibit at Murray Hill Library Honors Community Resident

 Photo from left to right: Molly Brady, Josh Gellers, Topher Christiansen, Karen Christiansen, Ken Christiansen, Eileen Morrison, David Prohofsky, Ashley Rhodis, Carole Hawkins, Christopher Sibson, David Dean, Cathy Prohofsky, and Tony DiNuzzo.

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Remembering Brian Sibson: Murray Hill Library Celebrates the Life one of its own Creative Residents

Visitors to the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library will find a new exhibit nestled between the local art that normally hangs on the walls. A poster showcasing the work of local resident and industrial designer Brian Sibson was unveiled April 9.

The event, Remembering Our Neighbors: A Tribute to Brian Sibson, was organized by Murray Hill resident Josh Gellers to celebrate the life of his next-door neighbor and friend.

“There’s so much division in the world right now,” Gellers said. “It’s my belief that one way we can change that is by simply getting to know our neighbors.”

The University of North Florida’s Digital Humanities Institute sponsored the display at the request of Gellers, who works there as dean of Professional and Lifelong Learning.

Sibson designed props, scenery and displays for theme parks and museums. His work can be found at Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and the National Museum of African American History in Washington D.C.

“He could build anything,” said Carole Hawkins, Sibson’s life partner. “Brian could take a concept an artist had drawn on a paper napkin and turn it into a set of blueprints.”

Sibson lost his battle with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder, on June 17, 2024. He lived his final years in Murray Hill, where he enjoyed the neighborhood’s eclectic vibe, its murals, owner-operated shops, and Murray Hilloween celebration. He could often be seen walking to Four Corners Park or throwing back a beer at Moon River Pizza.

“Brian loved this neighborhood,” Hawkins said. “Now with this exhibit, our neighbors can get to know him a little better too.”

The exhibit of Sibson’s work will remain at the library through June 17.