Creating opportunity through art
Inspiring minds and transforming spaces: projectart creates educational and cultural magic in public libraries nationwide.
Mission
To change the way the world sees arts education.
ProjectArt empowers youth, artists and communities by providing visual arts classes and artist residencies in public libraries.
Building on 10 years of its impactful Emerging Artists Residency, ProjectArt is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 residency.
Residencies include public exhibitions, artist talks, and community art projects that position libraries as vibrant cultural spaces while supporting artists as educators and civic contributors.
FEATURED STUDENT
Jakira
An 8th grade student at the Homewood branch of the Allegheny Public Library in Pittsburgh, Jakira takes classes with ProjectArt Resident Teaching Artist Avery McGrail. When she first joined, she was a bit shy, but quickly found her footing through her thoughtful listening, curiosity, and willingness to jump right into each project.
Now, Jakira comes to class ready to take on anything, approaching her work with determination, creativity, and a unique problem-solving mindset that she generously shares with her peers.
“I like making art because it is a way to express myself and an outlet for my creativity,” she shares. She also loves experimenting with new materials and techniques, always eager to try something different and see where it leads.
FEATURED TEACHER
Estrella Dominguez
Estrella Dominguez, resident Teaching Artist at the Naranja Branch Library, is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on painting, collage, and sculpture work. She teaches children ages 4-12, offering her students support on their artistic journey, and encouraging them to create with authenticity.
Beyond her work with ProjectArt, Estrella has recently teamed up with a friend to develop The Make Life Fair, an interactive art fair and fundraiser, designed for all-ages. The fair promotes sustainability and social responsibility, through artistry.
Featured Library
West End Branch
ProjectArt is proud to be partnered with the West End Branch of Cincinnati Public Library.
Located just outside of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, visitors of the library can view a selection of exhibits and participate in classes, like WE Music, Morning Chess, and Finley & Ferguson Essay Help. The building was newly renovated in 2023, incorporating additions like a new outdoor patio, a kids and teens area, study spaces, and improved accessibility.
However, the West End Branch has also navigated their fair share of challenges over the years. The library was recently involved in a frightening incident, having multiple windows shot out, during the early hours of the morning.
West End’s Youth Librarian, Brendan McConnell shares his thoughts on the library community’s unyielding courage and compassion, in the face of these difficult circumstances.
“Our West End community deals with unrelenting uncertainty,” says McConnell. “The broken windows were a reminder of the chaotic world our kids navigate. But there’s also daily evidence in how they throw themselves at new challenges with fearless resilience. These kids are so special in their ability to transform the surrounding volatility into such positive and joyful creative risk-taking. I’m lucky to see this process routinely when they make art at the library. I continue to show up and work hard at this branch because I want this library to be a safe place that they can count on, amid all the flux. I see that same resolve in all my coworkers and community members who help make that possible”
We’re grateful for the wonderful work and continued support of the Cincinnati Public Library – West End branch, uplifting both our students and the local community.
Funders
As a nonprofit organization, projectart relies on the generosity and support of individual donors, foundations and corporations. Our funders include the following institutions.
