Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Julie Prather. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Learning and Growing, 2004

Julie Prather
(American, born 1942)

Location: McClure Elementary School, Grandview

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Julie Prather worked with the students of McClure Elementary School in Central Washington, to create the ‘Learning and Growing’ stained glass artwork. Prather and the Art Selection Committee identified the theme of “learning and growing.” Teachers then asked students to create drawings on that theme and Prather reincarnated the drawings into twenty-five stained glass window panels.

The final artwork shows a boy and a girl, with flowers and butterflies. The children’s drawings defined the symbol of butterflies who change, grow, and dramatically transform. You also can see the students’ path from reading and learning, to graduating. Prather noted that “What I loved about the children’s drawings that had butterflies (there were a lot of them), was each child drew what looked like his own species of butterfly. It made me think of diversity in our own species, how each one of us is unique and colorful in our own way.”

By including students, the community at the school feels a strong connection to the finished artwork. Prather notes that "It has been like bringing little creatures to life".

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Grandview School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Ellensburg-based artist Julie Prather works in glass and photography. She has worked in stained glass since 1974. She has created several public artworks that use children's artworks in the designs.