From April 1 to May 17, the
REACH Museum presents
Through Young Eyes: The Shrub Steppe, a vibrant new art exhibit featuring the creative works of over 600 ECEAP preschoolers from across the ESD 123 region.
Developed through the ESD 123’s
ARTS Program showcasing a collection on artwork from ECEAP and through the use of a curriculum created by teaching artist Jenny Rieke, this exhibit highlights students' exploration of the shrub-steppe ecosystem—its plants, animals, and landscapes—through field trips, classroom learning, and hands-on artmaking. Their colorful and expressive artwork offers a unique, joyful lens on one of Washington’s most distinctive natural habitats.
“This exhibit captures not just the beauty of the shrub-steppe, but also the wonder and curiosity of learning through a child’s eyes,” said Pauline Schafer, Education Manager for the REACH Museum. “It’s a celebration of art, nature, and imagination.”
Through Young Eyes: The Shrub Steppe also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Hanford Reach National Monument, which protects one of the largest remaining areas of shrub-steppe habitat in the world.
This special exhibit is made possible by a partnership between the REACH Museum, the ESD 123 ARTS program, the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).