Each Lunar New Year, Tacoma residents search parks and neighborhood corners for Monkeyshines – small, handmade treasures hidden throughout the city to spark little moments of joy when people find them.  

This year, students at First Creek Middle School helped create that magic. 

It all started last year, when TPS students joined Hilltop Artists in a design contest to create Monkeyshines, including a student from First Creek. Their excitement sparked an idea in art teacher Catherine Stegeman, who decided to write a proposal asking the Monkeyshine coordinator if her students could become official artists for the beloved Tacoma project this time around. 

Stegeman got the answer she hoped for. 

Schoolwide effort rooted in community 

To make the Monkeyshine development project accessible to all students, Stegeman created three tiers of involvement. Students could design and carve the stamps used by their classmates, create Monkeyshines entirely from scratch, or use the student‑designed stamps to shape and finish their own pieces.  

Stegeman emphasized that the project reflected the community spirit of Monkeyshines. No single student “owned” a piece; instead, students supported one another at every step, sharing tips, stepping in to help, and making sure everyone could take part.  

“Students would teach other students how to do it. They would volunteer and say, ‘Oh, I'll walk them through this.’” 

As the project grew, First Creek staff joined in as well, guided by students who were ready to help others try each step. 

In total, the First Creek students and staff created close to 300 Monkeyshines for the official project, in addition to 150 of their own Monkeyshines that they would hide. 

Finding joy in giving art away 

Before students hid their own pieces, they learned about the history and purpose of Monkeyshines. Together, they created class “hiding rules” that focused on accessibility, safety and respect for Tacoma’s environment, and, most importantly, finding spots that could uplift others. 

“For me, it’s about giving my students a chance to be part of something incredible in Tacoma and to see themselves as people that can bring joy and find ways to take part in things that are amazing,” Stegeman said. 

That sense of joy carried over beyond class time. Some students, and even their families, were inspired to start making their own “rogues,” independent pieces they hid around the city. It showed how much the experience resonated with the students. 

On the project’s “launch day,” students took home a Monkeyshine of their own to hide somewhere meaningful. Many had never before made artwork meant solely for a stranger, and Stegeman said that moment of realization reflected the heart of the tradition.  

“It's just such an amazing thing. It creates positive interactions throughout the community,” she said. 

This year, as Tacoma residents search for Monkeyshines tucked into unexpected places, some will find a small piece of First Creek, made with care, shared with joy, and meant to brighten someone’s day.