This summer, the alcove across from the large playground has been home to a new program — Art Meets Books. A collaboration between the Conservancy and our friends from the Portable Museum Project and Hudson Park Library, Art Meets Books has been delighting Parkies of all ages with book-inspired community art projects which are then displayed in the Library for all to enjoy. “It allows people to be part of something bigger,” says Tae, of the Portable Museum. “Most people who participate just stop in as they’re enjoying their time at the Park, so it’s an opportunity to engage with the community in a way they weren’t expecting.” 

Taking place on Saturdays, Art Meets Books is a touch of serenity in an otherwise boisterous environment. Tucked away in the alcove, the shaded space thrums with unbridled creativity as children and adults alike participate and share in this experience. No judgment is passed on the art, a child’s doodle is treated with the same respect as a master’s rendering and all works are included in the finished piece. It’s an opportunity to enjoy this iconic space in a (for some) new way, becoming part of the longstanding tradition of public art in Washington Square. 

This month, participants engaged with Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall. Hudson Park Librarian, Kristy, suggested the book for July and August since its hot summer story and beautiful illustrations are a perfect pair for this time of year. After enjoying the story, artists of all ages and abilities painted an individual canvass, describing their experience with or connection to water. Each work is a unique and personal story, holding special meaning for the creator. These smaller canvases have been joined together into a community mural, which now hangs in the Hudson Park Library in the Children’s Book section for all to enjoy.