In May of 2024, the Timberland Regional Library launched a partnership with North Thurston Public Schools to bring student artwork to the Hawks Prairie Library. Each month, 30 new pieces from local elementary schools are showcased in frames on the library walls, transforming the space into a gallery of young creativity.
The library serves as a community gathering place, and this ongoing art display fosters a sense of connection and pride. Librarian Raina Sedore shares the inspiration behind the project:
“Every time I visit a school, I admire the beautiful art in the hallways. There are as many ways to draw a sunset or a pumpkin as there are kids in our community. Seeing those unique interpretations side by side is both inspiring and joyful. It was a natural fit to partner with the schools and bring that creativity into the library.”
Schools currently participating in the partnership include Evergreen Forest Elementary, Meadows Elementary, and Seven Oaks Elementary. The rotating exhibits often highlight larger community projects tied to classroom learning. One month, students from Meadows Elementary explored kolam, a traditional art form from southern India, filling the frames with intricate designs. Another month, Evergreen Forest students shared still-life drawings of bones, offering a glimpse into their studies.
This collaboration is a window into the creativity, learning, and cultural exploration happening in local classrooms, strengthening the bond between the library, schools, and the wider community.
Tap the photos to view a gallery of student artwork featured at the Hawks Prairie Timberland Library
