A new gathering space taking shape at the Woodstock Public Library is more than a community enhancement project—it's an example of student creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning in action.
As part of the library's Prairie Roots initiative, students from multiple programs at McHenry County College (MCC) designed and built public art installations that will serve as centerpieces for the new outdoor space.
The project—designed to transform library grounds into an intergenerational destination focused on sustainability, native prairie landscapes, art, and community—includes outdoor seating areas, a StoryWalk®, and musical garden elements.
Among the most striking features is a moon gate—a circular metal sculpture inspired by nature that will welcome visitors into the space. Production on the piece began when Woodstock Public Library partnered with MCC and invited students to develop artwork for the project.
In Advanced Graphic Design classes taught by Violet Luczak, students were tasked with creating concepts for the moon gate and a triptych wall piece that reflected the spirit of Prairie Roots.
“Students approached the assignment much like professional designers would,” Luczak said. “They researched the site, explored themes inspired by native Illinois plants and wildlife, developed visual concepts, and prepared presentations for the client. Their final proposals were formally pitched to library representatives in a process that mirrored a real-world design competition.”
Graphic design student Ash Ash’s concept was ultimately selected as the winning proposal.
“One of the most rewarding parts for students was seeing their ideas move beyond the classroom and become part of a real public space,” Luczak said.
To bring the design to life, the project expanded into a collaboration with MCC Welding students under the direction of instructor Gaylord Rodeman. Working alongside industry partner All American Reclaim, students helped transform the winning concept into durable, large-scale public artwork, translating classroom designs into permanent installations for the community.
The collaboration required students to navigate the realities of fabrication, problem-solving, and construction while maintaining the spirit of the original design.
"The students were very enthusiastic about creating an installation that would benefit the public and would be long-lasting," said Rodeman. "They embraced the challenge and learned how to run equipment that was new to them, including plate rollers and CNC fiber lasers. When the scope of the project grew to include a lighting system, they went the extra mile learning how to connect and install LED strip lighting."
The finished moon gate and triptych wall now stand as defining features of the Prairie Roots space.
“Projects like this show students the impact their work can have beyond the classroom,” Luczak said. “Years from now, people will still be walking through this space and interacting with something our students helped create. That’s a powerful experience.”
