Region 15 Invites the Public to Explore the 18^th Annual Art Gallery

           Members of the public are invited to explore the 18^th Annual Region 15 Art Gallery, Friday, April 28^th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 29^th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Pomperaug High School Gymnasium.

            Visitors are encouraged to come and experience thousands of works of art created by students in all grades.  Guests, who attend the show, will make their way through a student’s artistic progression from kindergarten to elementary, middle, high school and advanced placement art work. 

            “The Annual Gallery is an extraordinary opportunity to witness the development of artistic expression in our students over a thirteen year course of study with the Region 15 Art Department,” said Director of Fine Arts, Jane Sarjeant.

            “In Region 15 our art teachers work to teach the creative process so that it becomes a habit of mind and this begins in Kindergarten.

            Our world is changing and growing at an exponentially fast rate.  Our society is at a point in time where it is imperative that answers to problems come from creative solutions,” she said. 

            Younger students in particular will be anxious for parents to see their art work.  Once you have viewed your own child’s art work or in a case where they do not have a piece represented at the gallery, Ms. Sarjeant suggests viewing the show as a whole, as if in a museum, and engage children by asking questions about the art being viewed.

            The gallery show provides a chance for adults to dialog with children about the visual arts.  “Asking questions will open your eyes to your own child’s thoughts and feelings as well as those of the artist,” Ms. Sarjeant said.   

            Members of the art department strive to show artwork from as many students as possible.  Once art teachers begin hanging the work, it is nearly impossible to ensure each child is represented.  The digital art show, which was created in an effort to exhibit even more student artwork, will be back by popular demand. 

            The Art Gallery is one of various venues where students’ art work is publicly shown.  Although a child might not have a piece in this year’s show, efforts are made throughout the year to include their work in other displays such as the Middlebury and Southbury public libraries, at Central Office and in businesses that participate in the Region’s Art Outreach Program. 

            These additional venues are part of the Region’s efforts to bring student art into the community.

            “We are most fortunate to have a community that truly values the worth of high quality art education,” said Ms. Sarjeant.  “We are thankful for the many local businesses that display our student work and the residents who support our annual District Art Gallery year after year.”      

            On Saturday, April 29 only, Region 15 will offer a shuttle bus service, donated free of charge by First Student Bus Company.  The shuttle, will leave the Pattock parking lot in Heritage Village every hour on the hour at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., and drop passengers off at the front entrance of Pomperaug High School. 

            Riders can catch a return shuttle at the high school on the half-hour at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. to return to Heritage Village.  Shuttle riders will receive a coupon, donated by the Heritage Deli and Café, redeemable for a free bottled water or small coffee.