A new holiday tradition is taking place in Wilton, and it starts with art students at the Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle High School.
On Dec. 10, WLC students and several local artisans showcased their artwork at Wilton Town Hall for the inaugural Holiday Fair. Four students in the WLC art program, including sixth-grader Vivian Boss and seniors Brooke Rondeau, Eva Rizzuto and Caelyn Porter, set up shop, selling a variety of drawings, paintings, miniature creations and one-of-a-kind T-shirts to community members.
The work of 50 additional students in WLC’s art program was also on display. In addition, WLC teacher Laura Kostenblatt hosted a bake sale to benefit sixth-graders attending Ecology School this upcoming April.
All afternoon, event-goers shopped for holiday gifts and perused through art statements provided by the students. Later on, WLC music students alongside teacher Taryn Anderson performed rock and folk music.
According to art teacher Emily Hall, WLC’s art program hosted two successful showcases earlier this year, one in May and one in October. Hall said her students’ hard work and passion for creativity over the last year inspired her to make the Holiday Fair a new tradition in Wilton.
“It’s really beautiful to see students learn through the process of creating their work. There’s nothing like it,” said Hall.
For some WLC students, including 12 year old Vivian Boss, setting up shop at the Holiday Fair was the first time they showcased their artwork publicly. Vivian, a sixth-grader at WLC, has spent the last few months in school working on her frog-themed art shop, crafting unique ornaments out of recycled materials. To her, the fair allows her to express her true passion for art and animals.
“It feels really good because I can show people what I really enjoy,” said Vivian.
Other WLC students like senior Caelyn Porter have been designing, drawing and showcasing their work to peers and community members for several years. Porter said she’s grateful to have a platform to express her creativity.
“I’ve been doing it for a long time and I’ve failed in the past. Now, that experience gives me confidence in my artwork,” said Porter.
With three successful art shows under her belt, Hall said she plans to keep the Holiday Fair a tradition for many years to come.
“Every time we have a show, students build upon their work from the last event. It’s amazing,” said Hall. “I will always represent student art.”
Starting this month, WLC is hosting a gently used clothing drive to benefit student interest in screen-printing. Donations can be dropped off at the school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.