Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

All Ages

From Sea to Shining Sea: Community Art Exhibition 

All ages are invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 by contributing to our Library’s collaborative art display. Each participant will create an American landscape scene on a 10×10” canvas. In June, we’ll hang all the canvases together to reveal a beautiful patchwork display in our Library Café Gallery! Here’s how to join the fun:

1. Beginning on March 16, pick up your canvas at the Library. All ages can participate! Kids pickups will take place at the Children’s Desk. Adults and Teens & Tweens pickups will take place at the Lower Level Service Desk. Please note: Registration is required for pickup. Registration will be broken down by age group: Kids, Teens & Tweens, and Adults. Register online, in person, or by phone: 

Adults, click here to register now.

Teens/Tweens (Grades 6 – 12), click here to register now.

Kids, click here to register now.

2. Create your landscape at home using your favorite medium: markers, crayons, paints, pastels, mixed media, or whatever sparks your creativity! Inspired by our beautiful nation, your scene will represent an American landscape, whether the far-away beaches of Hawaii or the towering skyline of the Big Apple!

3. Return your completed canvas any time on or before May 1. Drop-offs will be accepted at any Library service desk. If you’d like to pick up your canvas after the exhibit, please be sure to write your first and last name legibly on the back.

4. Visit the Library this summer to view this collaborative project on display near the Adult Reference Desk and the Library Café. The From Sea to Shining Sea Community Art Exhibition will stay on the walls throughout the summer!

Please note: Not for Community Service Credit

Adults

The American Experience: American Artists Through Our History (In-Person)
Thursday, April 16, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. 
As we are celebrating 250 years of our nation, let us look at some of the artwork that has expressed the patchwork of voices, ideas, culture, history, and perspectives. Through the eyes of American artists, we’ll explore the American experience – social, intellectual, & cultural – with artist and professor Chris Vivas. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Click here to register starting 3/9.

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***Check back here as more programs get added throughout the year!

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Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org