“Our Treehouse” Exhibition at Emma Clark Library – A Dream Built Through Collaboration and Creativity

“Our Treehouse” Exhibition at Emma Clark Library – A Dream Built Through Collaboration and Creativity

“Our Treehouse” – A Community-Built Dream Begins to Shine

Last year, I formed a creative circle called Mom’s Playground, a group of artists and mothers who wished to keep their artistic dreams alive while raising children. It was a space where we could support each other, exchange ideas, and challenge ourselves to continue creating.

From this circle, our very first collaborative project was born: the children’s picture book Our Treehouse.

Since its publication, the book has been warmly received. And now, I am incredibly proud to share that the original paintings from Our Treehouse are being exhibited for the entire month of November at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library. Even more meaningful is the fact that the book has officially been selected for the library’s Children’s Local Focus Collection, a curated group that highlights the work of creators from the community.
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When I heard the news, it felt as if a beam of sunlight had reached our small but heartfelt Treehouse, lighting it up from within.

The children’s book Our Treehouse, created by the artist-mom collective Mom’s Playground, is now on display at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library as part of its Children’s Local Focus Collection. This blog post shares the story behind the book’s creation, the collaborative process, and the meaning of its recent exhibition.

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The Moment When Words Became Paintings
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Working on Our Treehouse opened a new door for me. I discovered that when a story is written with genuine imagination, it becomes almost effortless for the illustrator’s brush to find its path.

The author of this book, Emilia Zielinska-Bien, has a unique gift: her writing is vivid, visual, and deeply resonant. Each sentence paints a scene, and each paragraph carries a quiet emotional rhythm. Her writing is not loud or sensational. It does not rush like a video game or glow with fast-paced excitement. Instead, it offers stillness, reflection, and a steady sense of wonder—qualities that stay with a reader long after the pages close.
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As I read through her manuscript, I found myself naturally sketching. The images appeared in my mind as clearly as though they had always been there. Through this process, I learned that creating art is not a solitary act; it is the building of a shared dream—much like constructing an actual treehouse, one wooden plank at a time.

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A Treehouse Built Together
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A treehouse is a symbol of collaboration. Children gather materials, offer ideas, and help each other until a special shared space finally takes shape.
Our book was made in exactly the same spirit.

Every illustration, every scene, every small detail was built from a combination of our perspectives, strengths, and imaginations. We supported each other whenever we felt unsure, we filled in each other’s gaps, and we celebrated every small success. Eventually, the Treehouse we built became more than a setting in a story—it became a real creative home where future dreams could grow.
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I want to express my deepest gratitude to Emilia. Her vision is rooted in teaching children about cooperation, kindness, and the joy of creating something together. She believes that inner values—though invisible—can be built, strengthened, and cherished just like the beams and railings of a treehouse.
Through this process, she has shown us that new Treehouses, both literal and metaphorical, are always possible.

The Library That Made Our Project Shine
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Although this exhibition is part of the library’s annual program for local artists, our project received exceptional care and attention thanks to Rebecca, the library’s enthusiastic and dedicated curator.

Her support has been invaluable. She approached our work with respect and genuine excitement, treating it not just as artwork, but as a meaningful community story. Meeting her has been a stroke of luck, and I am grateful that she helped our Treehouse shine even brighter.
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Libraries are often described as homes for stories. But in this moment, it felt like the library became a home for our story too.

A Display That Sparks New Dreams

​This exhibition has become more than a simple display of original paintings.

It is an invitation.
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Children who stop by may imagine their own Treehouse. Adults might rediscover forgotten dreams or a childhood memory long tucked away. As visitors walk past the framed paintings, I hope they feel a quiet inspiration—something gentle, yet strong enough to stir the imagination.
As long as this exhibition continues through the month of November, I hope our dream reaches someone who needs a place to rest, dream, or begin creating again. And maybe, inside this shared Treehouse, someone will start building the next story that will touch a child’s heart.

Our Treehouse is not the end of a project.
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It is the beginning—the first room of a much larger house of creativity, built with community and love.
And from here, I will continue painting, writing, and preparing the next dream.


​Our Treehouse is available for purchase on Amazon, where you can easily view details and order a copy.
The “Read Sample” feature allows you to preview the book’s artwork and storytelling before buying.
Worldwide shipping is available, and Prime delivery offers a fast and convenient option for many regions.

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