The Redmond Library is hosting an art exhibit of Bothell artist A Gaul Culley’s recent body of work titled:  “Portraits of a River” beginning on Aug. 15 through Oct. 1.

An opening reception will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 15 to coincide with the opening of the Redmond Arts Festival. Local poet Laura Lee Bennett will read some of her latest creations during the event. Light refreshments will be served.

Over the last two years, Culley has been awarded grants through King County Arts Organization 4Culture. The grants are part of 4Culture’s Historic Sites project. Culley has been working with the historical societies of Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell and Kenmore to understand and create artworks significant about the role the Sammamish River has played in establishing these cities.

Culley used layered newspaper and cardboard as canvasses for her paintings, playing on the idea that newspapers are documents of current events that become history through time.

“Water is the essence of life,” Culley said. “Rivers throughout history are the origin of where communities were formed. The Sammamish River is no exception. It was the only road into richly dense forests that now are home to many people of many cultures.”

Culley also collaborated with local artists/poets Megan Tanner, Laura Lee Bennett and Redmond Poet Laureate Michael Dylan Welch in creating a free community event at the Redmond Library on Sept. 13 from 1 p.m, to 4 p.m. Members of the community can come and paint their very own portrait of the Sammamish River to take home with them.

“There will also be a free haiku workshop where participants can learn how to write a haiku poem that expresses aspects of where you live,” Culley said.

For more information, visit www.sitespecificarts.org/project/portraits-of-a-river/.