A bookshelf is covered in cobwebs in “My Pile of Unread Books” by Arwen W., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A bookshelf is covered in cobwebs in “My Pile of Unread Books” by Arwen W., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A bunch of bricks

Kenai Community Library hosts second annual Lego contest

In the Kenai Community Library, an art show made up of Lego creations fills a backroom — featuring a lot of “Star Wars,” but also vehicles, animals, a depiction of home and more abstract work.

All of those colorful pieces make for the library’s second annual Brick by Brick, which Youth Services Coordinator Seth Gray said was a celebration of “making something.” The contest is open to all ages, and challenges participants to design their own builds — “no kits allowed.”

This year, Gray said, 25 submissions fill the space.

“People are proud to show what they like to make,” he said. “This is a chance for them to get to do something they love and something that they get to shine at. It’s fun to see everybody’s different creations — we’ve got everything from cars, (a lot of) bases, some really big ones, some really small ones.”

Looking at the breadth of the submissions, Gray said there was less “classic Lego stuff,” this year. He said the wheeled vehicles, and some creations made of more complex Lego Technic pieces caught his eye.

“I’m really proud of all the people who submitted,” he said. “It’s really fun to do this and have so many people respond.”

Brick by Brick can be viewed in the Kenai Community Library during their open hours until Sunday. Every attendee is encouraged to cast votes for their favorite creations. The top three vote-getters will receive the people’s choice awards, titled “Best in Brick.” Gray said the prizes are being kept a secret until then.

For more information about the Kenai Community Library and its events, visit kenai.city/library.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com

Two women share a couch with a cat and a cup of coffee in “Slice of Life,” by Macy W., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Two women share a couch with a cat and a cup of coffee in “Slice of Life,” by Macy W., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A swirl of colorful bricks make up “Lego Kaleidoscope,” by Payton M., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A swirl of colorful bricks make up “Lego Kaleidoscope,” by Payton M., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Clone troopers fight back against droid invaders in “Republic Base on Naboo,” by Gideon C., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Clone troopers fight back against droid invaders in “Republic Base on Naboo,” by Gideon C., seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

”The Creation,” by Elias S., is a massive structure composed of bright colors seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

”The Creation,” by Elias S., is a massive structure composed of bright colors seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, part of Brick by Brick at the Kenai Community Library in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

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