ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Public Library is honored to be hosting an exhibit of the COVID-19 Reflections Through Art project. The exhibit will run Feb. 1-28 and is open for viewing by the public during regular library hours.

As a companion to the exhibit, the library is excited to invite the public to one of two companion Reflections Through Art sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Attendees will be able to choose between a 10:30 a.m. morning session and a 6 p.m. evening session.

In 2023, Pierce County Public Health hosted multiple painting events for community members to gather, reflect and share their COVID-19 experiences. Facilitated by artists from the Center for Creativity and Public Health, participants created paintings in response to their emotions, reflections and thoughtful conversation. These paintings, created by our Pierce County friends and neighbors, along with their reflections on the pandemic, what was learned about our community, and the power of the creative process, are the heart of the COVID-19 Reflections Through Art exhibit.

Caroline Herfindahl, Youth Services Librarian & Programming Coordinator, has a passion for fostering community connections through art, creativity, inclusion, reflection, intention and play. She reached out to the Center for Creativity & Public health to imagine and design companion sessions at the Ellsworth Public Library in conjunction with the exhibit.

"We're excited to come back to Pierce County," said Danette McCarthy from the Center for Creativity & Public Health. "Our work with Pierce County Public Health on the COVID-19 Reflections project was really eye-opening and the exhibit coming to the Ellsworth Library will be the first time that I see it as a whole. What a great idea to celebrate the exhibit with a new opportunity for neighbors to come together and explore what community means to them!"

You are invited to join us for this unique opportunity to experience the power of creativity and art to guide us through and help us process emotions and life experiences. Although, these sessions have been designed for teenagers and adults, younger tweens frequently do well in this reflection and artmaking environment (ages 10 and up are welcome). Stop by or call the library at 715-273-3209 to register as space is limited. Light refreshments will be served. And, no art experience is necessary. We hope you’ll join the journey!

Ellsworth Public Library is committed to supporting diversity, inclusion, and well-being within the communities we serve. Call us at 715-273-3209 about making your library services and experiences safe and welcoming.

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library