FLEMING ISLAND —A group of more than 80 adults and youth were registered to join the Clay County Public Libraries for a once-in-a-lifetime event on March 21. 

To celebrate the USA's 250th anniversary, the county joined forces with "Portraits of Hope," a program dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through creative, educational and high-profile projects.

Volunteers arrived at the Fleming Island Library early Saturday morning to help paint large floating buoy lanterns that will be installed in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in October. During "America Shines on the National Mall," a total of 3,000 bright, colorful monuments will fill the pool for a four-week exhibit, each decorated with various America-themed artwork.

As a part of the county's mission to provide interactive, fun experiences for the community ahead of the upcoming commemoration, Jennifer Goss, with Clay County Public Libraries Community Engagement, found Portraits of Hope to be the perfect opportunity.  Goss said Portraits of Hope was looking to bring the art activity to 20,000 individuals in all 50 states. She sent them an email, and the rest was history. 

"We were able to pull a team together to try and bring this amazing opportunity to the community," she said. 

"It's all part of having America shine. And having families, children and communities to come together on a large scale to be able to create this artwork that has hands from every state."

 Those who participated were given various colored paints and were guided on how to convey each buoy. Volunteers were able to stand and sit while they brushed each panel with bright color. 

Goss said the library will have other events throughout the year like a concert, a series of film discussions, and arts and crafts.

Each will be labeled "America 250" so people can easily find them.

"We have lots of really great ways for the community to get involved," she said.