A free art exhibit showcasing work by City of Arlington employees is now open at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library in celebration of Arlington’s 150th anniversary. The “150 COA Employee Art Exhibit: Your Art. Your City. Your Celebration.” will run through the end of 2026 on the library’s second floor in the Create Room. An artist reception, open to the public, is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Light refreshments will be available while supplies last. The Library is located at 100 S. Center St. Free parking is available throughout Downtown.
The exhibit features work from more than half a dozen city employees whose art spans a wide range of mediums from chalk and pastel to stained glass pencil sketches and photography. Library Services Manager Jessica Diaz said the goal was to honor the anniversary with a project that reflects the people who serve Arlington every day.
“We wanted to do something special for the city’s 150th anniversary that reflected the different places and people in Arlington through art,” Diaz said. “We wanted to provide a free exhibition for the public and showcase the multifaceted employees who work for the City of Arlington.”
Employees from Library, Public Works, Facility Services, Planning and Development, Information Technology and Municipal Court contributed pieces. Some participants have created professional murals while others create art as a hobby, but Diaz said the unifying element is the creativity employees bring to their roles and to the community.
“People may have a preconceived notion of what an artist is,” she said. “We wanted residents and patrons to see that artists can look very different and have amazing talents like our employees who might wear work boots or be soft spoken. We wanted them to see the different passions of people who do everyday work in the city and show their dimensions and talents.”
Diaz said the exhibit has already sparked conversation among visitors.
“It is gratifying to see residents, patrons and visitors discuss the artwork, interpret it in their own way and smile as they walk out,” Diaz said. “It feels like opening a present.”
Diaz also contributed a three‑piece pop art installation titled “She Brought an Orange Wedge to a Banana Gun Fight” inspired by her nephew and nieces, Carmelo, Rebekah and Michelle. The piece uses a damaged recycled library book salvaged from the bin. Diaz said she had not planned to showcase her own work but wanted to participate after encouraging others to do the same.
“Art is very personal and can create vulnerability but that connects us on our human side where we are not just seen as someone in a position or role,” she said.
Diaz said she hopes the exhibit encourages residents not only to enjoy the artwork but to see creativity as something open to everyone.
“I hope people who visit feel empowered to embrace the idea that everyday people can create their own artistic journey,” she said. “You can find beauty and inspiration everywhere.”
The exhibit remains open through 2026 for visitors to explore as part of Arlington’s ongoing anniversary celebration.