Esperanza Speaks: Growing Hope Through Art & Action October 17, 2026

Spruce Elementary Tree Protection Club
Photo by Dr. Jennie Warmouth

You are invited to “Esperanza Speaks: Growing Hope Through Art & Action,” a special one night only event at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.

A beloved Douglas fir, named Esperanza, once stood on the grounds of Spruce Elementary in Lynnwood. Why did she come down? This open question became a year-long investigation by an after-school student art and ecology club hosted by teacher Dr. Jennie Warmouth.

Join us for a special evening of student artwork, creating, and sharing. Graphite Arts Center is open to the public on Saturdays from 12-5pm. Guests for this event are invited to visit, create and look at artwork from 4-5pm. From 5-6pm, student artists and special guests will share stories and poems of how they have been impacted by the trees we love.

Do you have a tree story of your own? Bring it with you! After you hear our students share, you can sit down and record yours. It will be preserved alongside Esperanza’s in a living community archive.

With special guests:

• Nalini Nadkarni - National Geographic Explorer at Large, tree ecologist 
• Rena Priest - WA state Poet Laureate and National Geographic Explorer
• Kiliii Yüyan - National Geographic Photographer

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 4-6:30pm
Where: Graphite Arts Center, 202 Main Street, Edmonds, WA