Main Library – Teen Section 1
The Junior Jets bring Andy Warhol’s Pop Art into the modern age. Soda cans stand in for Warhol’s soup cans. Candy bars are the new Brillo boxes. Ariana Grande and Misty Copeland have replaced Marilyn Monroe and Liz Taylor. Each print contains images placed on top of a four separate backgrounds. Like Warhol, students used complementary colors. But instead of using a purple image against yellow background, they were more likely to contrast red with olive or yellow with turquoise. This shows a sophisticated understanding of color theory. Thanks goes to Digital Arts Teacher Diana Henneman.
Location: Second Floor, The Main Library
1550 Oak Street
On Display Until: June 10, 2026
Main Library – Children’s Section
Poems by Edison 3rd Grade Students
Classroom Teacher: Jennifer Howell
Edison 3rd grade students in Ms. Howell’s class have been working on a poetry unit, which tied in to the Poetry Slam hosted by AEF. Students learned about poetry and then created their own poems, taking inspiration from our beautiful little island to write about topics like Lincoln Park, the Alameda Free Library, the turkeys, the beach, SubPar, South Shore, and more local favorites. Some of these students came to the Poetry Slam in March to read their poems in front of an audience. Then, all students were invited to add an illustration, bringing their poems to life visually.
Location: First Floor, The Main Library
1550 Oak Street
On Display Until: May 31, 2026
Bay Farm Island Library
Dinosaurs by Bay Farm 2nd Grade Students
Classroom Teacher: Daniel Baselj
Art Teacher: Bryce Winkler
Bay Farm 2nd grade students created these observational works, taking inspiration from the Blue Horses paintings by Marc Franz. Students were offered plastic dinosaurs to create an observational drawing. They added an abstract background, then painted their drawings with watercolors to create these vibrant and cheerful dinosaurs.
Location: Bay Farm Island Library,
3221 Mecartney Rd
On Display Until: June 30, 2026
West End Library
Houses by NEA 2nd Grade Students
Art Teacher: Susie McKee
Classroom Teacher: Sarah Singer
NEA 2nd Graders created these whimsical 3-D houses as part of a broader unit on “Trash to Treasure.” Created entirely out of discarded and recycled materials from the community, students were invited to cut out a cardboard house. They wrapped yarn around their cardboard, then used materials like fabric, buttons, ribbon, and silk flowers to create all the beautiful and inventive details. Since there are two classes worth of the same art project, we swap them in a month to make sure both classes are highlighted for their hard work.
Location: West End Library,
788 Santa Clara Ave.
On Display Until: July 1, 2026
See Spot Run
Horses by Edison 1st Grade Students
Classroom Teacher: Jacqueline Smith
Art Teacher: Ellis Teare
Edison first graders learned about puppet-making and art that moves by crafting these jointed horses. They engaged in the symbolism of the Year of the Horse, talking about how horses represent strength, perseverance, and confidence. They also studied the many different coats and patterns that horses can have. Working within a realistic color palette, the students carefully cut, painted, and assembled their horses. Their projects turned out so beautifully diverse, and the class was thrilled to look at them all together as a herd.
Location: See Spot Run,
1320 Park Street
On Display Until: July 14, 2026
Books, Inc.
Lions by Earhart Elementary Students
Earhart Elementary students created these lion faces based on the illustrated children’s book The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Using pastels on brown paper, students practiced their drawing skills and created these gestural lions, some cheerful and some fierce, each in their own unique style.
Location: Books, Inc. Alameda,
1344 Park Street
On Display Until: July 21, 2026