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
Sofia Villalonga
Born and raised in Miami, Kendall Branch Artist-In-Residence Sofia Villalonga is heavily influenced by the nature and cultures of South Florida. She has a background in education and natural studies that she combines with her art practice, to ultimately speak about pressing issues.
Through her work as a Teaching Artist for ProjectArt, Villalonga further developed her sense of creativity and courage, as an artist.
“My experience teaching for ProjectArt completely opened up my practice,” says Villalonga. “My students taught me how to be fearless in my creativity. The learning process was mutual.”
On Monday, July 13, Villalonga will host The Turning of a Century, a one night exhibition, held in a 1925 home that is currently awaiting demolition. This vacant residence will be transformed into a temporary archive, and act as a place for our visitors to reflect on the past, present, and future of the city of Miami.
Featured Library
Homewood Branch
We’re honored to be partnered with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Homewood Branch.
The founding of Homewood Library can be traced back to 1860, when Andrew Carnegie and his brother moved into the neighborhood. Carnegie eventually encouraged his good friends and industry leaders to join him in Homewood.
After the installation of trolley lines, the city became more accessible to visitors and members of the community. In an attempt to develop the neighborhood further, the Homewood Board of Trade asked Carnegie to build a library for the community. While initially less than eager, Carnegie ultimately signed on and the Homewood Library was available to the public by 1910.
Homewood was the last Carnegie library built for the city of Pittsburgh, and also became one of the largest Carnegie libraries in the country. It is now a Pittsburgh historical landmark and was also featured in the groundbreaking children’s series, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, which was filmed in Pittsburgh.
And as of Spring 2026, Homewood has launched a campaign to raise money for major renovations to the library. The project will support improving infrastructure, as well as preserving the library as a landmark.
We are thankful for the continued support of CLP – Homewood Branch, bringing ProjectArt classes to our Pittsburgh students!
Funders
As a nonprofit organization, projectart relies on the generosity and support of individual donors, foundations and corporations. Our funders include the following institutions.
