Vision and Talent Defines CCSL Staff Member.

Gratitude for Olivia Carlson: A Key Volunteer at Como Community Seed Library

At the Como Community Seed Library, we are deeply grateful for one of our most talented and dedicated volunteers, Olivia Carlson. Olivia joined us at a pivotal moment in 2020, shortly after graduating with a degree in Fine Art and Art History. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, she became an essential part of our team, sharing her extraordinary creativity and generosity to support our mission.

When we first saw Olivia’s impressive portfolio and the work she had done for her university art gallery, we knew she could help us reimagine our identity. She took on the monumental tasks of building our website, designing our logo, and creating a communications plan. Olivia’s artistic brilliance and vision helped shape the Como Community Seed Library into a visually lush, communicative, and community-oriented space for our members.

For the past four years, even after moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, Olivia has continued to be an integral part of our team. Now working as the Seed Savers Exchange Census Coordinator, she remains dedicated to supporting CCSL and lending her artistic talents to our projects.

One of Olivia’s standout contributions was her ingenious solution to bridge language barriers on our seed packet labels. As a mobile seed library, we needed to convey vital growing information on small 2”x3” labels for gardeners with diverse linguistic backgrounds. Olivia designed an intuitive system of icons to communicate details like planting times, light and moisture requirements, plant height, and days to maturity. Her clear and accessible label layout has been invaluable, and we are now testing these designs with gardeners whose first language isn’t English.

Beyond her artistic talents, Olivia is an avid gardener with a sunny community garden plot in Raleigh. There, she explores crops that support her love of cooking and baking, through unique crops like sesame. Her gardens, like her paintings and digital creations, are breathtakingly beautiful and thoughtfully designed.

Olivia’s work continues to enrich our community and empower gardeners of all backgrounds. Her commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and connection inspires us all. Thank you, Olivia, for creating such a visually stunning and welcoming space for the Como Community Seed Library and for your ongoing dedication. We are so lucky to have you on our team!