Creative Expressions in Libraries: Ashby Library Children’s Collage Artwork Project
As part of our exciting third year of NPO activity, the Ashby Library Working Group came together to brainstorm project ideas for the library. After a very exciting and informative session the group decided to commission a Creative Practitioner to co-create an artwork for the children’s library. During discussions, a large brick wall space in the children’s area was identified as the perfect place to add some community created artwork, themed around Ashby’s inclusion in the National Forest. Our aim was twofold – to allow the families co-creating the artwork to feel a sense of ownership of the space, and to make the children’s area more identifiable for first time users of the library.
After an exciting and challenging recruitment process, the library panel appointed Stella from Lucentia Designs. Throughout February 2026, Stella ran five workshops across three schools, in addition to two open library workshops. We used different techniques to create background, leaves, and woodland creatures. Children created some beautiful pieces of art that you can view below.
Stella then had the difficult but hugely enjoyable process of collating all of the work created and pulling them together to create the final piece of art that was unveiled in May 2026. We were joined by nearly 200 very proud children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and family and friends who were all surprised and delighted by the new artwork.
Ashby Library Unveiling and Celebration
Ashby C of E Primary School (Key Stage 1)
Ashby C of E Primary School (Key Stage 2)
Ashby Willesley Primary School (Art Ambassadors)
Griffydam Primary School
Open Library Workshops
