The Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission meeting on July 30, 2025, spotlighted an exciting new project for the Assante Library, led by local artist Tysha Harrison. Harrison presented her artwork design, titled "Expressions in Full Home," which aims to engage and uplift the Surprise community through vibrant mixed media collage.
Harrison, a storytelling visual artist based in Phoenix, expressed her gratitude for being selected for this project and emphasized her commitment to community involvement. "My major passion is domestic violence and bringing awareness to domestic violence and online safety," she stated, highlighting her previous collaborations that have successfully integrated community voices into her art.
The project will feature contributions from local residents, with Harrison facilitating workshops that encourage participation and creativity. She shared her experience from a recent workshop at the Assante Library, which attracted around 50 participants and included dance performances, music, and art-making activities. "There was lots of laughter, which always warms our heart," she noted, reflecting on the positive community engagement.
The final artwork will be a large, 8 by 6-foot piece that combines Harrison's artistic vision with contributions from community members. The design will incorporate various sizes of art pieces sewn together, framed in acrylic, and displayed prominently in the library. This initiative not only aims to beautify the space but also to foster a sense of belonging among residents.
As the project progresses, the commission anticipates that this collaboration will enhance the cultural landscape of Surprise, making the Assante Library a vibrant hub for community expression and creativity.