Lexington Elementary Invites Community To Celebrate ArtsWA Installation Featuring Student Handprints On September 24 (Photo) - 09/17/26
A one-of-a-kind work of art now has a permanent home at Lexington Elementary—and the community is invited to help celebrate it. Kelso School District will host a dedication ceremony Thursday, September 24, from 4:30–5:00 p.m. at Lexington Elementary for the school’s new glass art installation, created by Silverdale, Washington, artist Lisa Stirrett through the Washington State Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program (AIPP).
The centerpiece of the installation is three striking glass salmon inspired by Lexington Elementary, the Kelso community, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The salmon represent perseverance, resilience, and the enduring connection to home.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the artwork is one that belongs entirely to Lexington’s students: their handprints are incorporated into the piece. Approximately 100 handprints are embossed into the back of one salmon, with many more handprints integrated throughout the installation—creating a permanent snapshot of the children who were part of Lexington at this moment in the school’s history.
“This artwork has quickly become a special part of Lexington, and we’re excited to open our doors and share it with the larger community,” said Lexington Principal Tim Yore. “It tells a story about who we are, where we live, and the students at the heart of our school. We hope people will come see it, discover all the incredible details, and celebrate with us.”
Made from hundreds of individually crafted pieces of glass, each of the three salmon weighs approximately 150 pounds. A specialized five-person crew installed the artwork this summer in Lexington’s main commons near the school entrance.
The September 24 dedication will include a welcome, an overview of the Art in Public Places program, remarks from the artist and from students, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Lexington received the artwork through ArtsWA’s Art in Public Places program, which reserves one-half of one percent of state construction costs for public art in newly constructed public buildings. Local representatives worked with ArtsWA through the artist selection and design process to create a piece reflecting Lexington’s identity and values.
Since 1974, ArtsWA’s State Art Collection has grown to more than 5,000 works displayed in schools and public buildings across Washington, with a distinctive commitment to bringing original artwork into K–12 schools.
The dedication is open to students, families, staff, and community members.
WHAT: Art in Public Places Dedication Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 4:30–5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Lexington Elementary
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.
