At 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29th, the opening ceremony of the Stratford Student Art Showcase took place at Sterling Community Center. It celebrated the partnership of Stratford Public Schools (SPS), Arts Alliance of Stratford, and Sterling Community Center, expressing their mission of supporting the arts in school and elsewhere for all Stratford youth.
As people gathered on the front lawn of Sterling Community Center, the Stratford High School Jazz Quartet offered a lively welcome from the front porch.
Brian Crook, Department Head for Fine Arts & Music, SPS, delivered the opening remarks, stressing the importance of the arts in schools. With the aim of “uplifting the artistic gifts of students”, he noted that “the courage and patience it takes to create deserves to be celebrated.” By honoring the ideas expressed in their art, young people “learn that their voice matters.”
Amanda Meeson, Executive Director of Sterling Community Center, spoke with deep gratitude for the decades of dedication by art teachers at the Center, asking those teachers present to stand and be acknowledged. She stressed that “the arts are not separate from human development.”
Mark Hannon, President of the Arts Alliance of Stratford, said this is the second annual student art showcase, and it excites him to “see young minds coming up with new ideas, creating something that wasn’t there before.” He applauded all the teachers who help young people open their minds, stating that the importance of creative thinking is not solely for the arts. It is necessary for any field of endeavor.
Jennifer Leniart, Lead Art Teacher, Elementary (Second Hill Lane ES), said that when she first arrived in Stratford and was starting her career, she anticipated she would be working here for one year. That was thirty-one years ago. She said that what made her want to stay were the families and her colleagues, most of whom have been teaching alongside her for over twenty years. Her thanks went to her students, saying “I love seeing you grow. Know you are special—keep it going!”
Heather Borges, Superintendent of Stratford Public Schools, addressed how the arts create communicators and solution-driven problem solvers. The arts, whether visual, performing, musical or written, “help us see the world through the eyes of others.” She believes that every child has something worthwhile to say, and a voice that deserves to be heard.
Jill D’Angelo-Powers, Stratford Board of Education Chairperson, said that as a parent of two, she knows first-hand how important the arts are for children. They are the building blocks for a well-rounded life.
Mayor David Chess expressed his love for Stratford throughout the more than forty years he has lived here, and his delight at the “gems” we have in our citizenry. He noted the quality and dedication of teachers he has experienced as his own children went through Stratford schools. He emphasized how the arts help young people find the courage to apply themselves. He said while test scores are important, “the arts are where our hearts meet our heads.” The arts nurture and “help young people develop the pride and confidence to go forward, to be not only masters of their art, but of their lives.”
Lena Nguyen, Art Student, Stratford High School (Grade 12), discovered her interest and excitement in the arts in kindergarten when she was offered that first plain sheet of paper. That same kind of excitement is evident now in her face and her voice as she says, “A blank canvas has endless possibilities.” She said that it was difficult when Covid 19 caused the schools to close and days were solitary. She realized then how important community is for art—to share your own ideas and be stimulated by the ideas of others./
The Jazz Quartet resumed playing as guests went inside to view the showcase. It was a delight to see the creativity and skills that covered the walls of the exhibit. These wonderful photos will give you a taste of it, but I recommend a visit to Sterling Community Center to see the real thing! The exhibit continues through Sunday, June 21st at 1:00 PM.
Sterling Community Center is located at 2283 Main Street in Stratford. For information and hours, call 203-378-2606.
