Art show opens at Library, runs through April 27

Students, parents, teachers, library staff, and family members all enjoyed the opening night exhibition at the Manchester District Library.

The annual Manchester High School art exhibit reception, which this year included Middle School students, officially opened to the public on Friday evening, April 13 at the Manchester District Library.

Ms. Angelina Griffin, MMS/HS art teacher who is in her 13th year at Manchester Community Schools, said that she has done one of these shows every year and each year she is amazed by the variety of talent her students display. About 110 works of art in various media, created by 70 students, were exhibited.

Every one of Griffin’s students in grades 7-12 had at least one work on display, and several artists contributed a larger number to the gallery show. Works included ceramics, acrylic paintings, water color, pencil drawings, and more. While she is justifiably proud of all of her students’ success, she did find one exhibitor particularly exciting.

“I’m especially proud of Hannah McCaffrey,” she said. “Hannah is a senior and will attend the College for Creative Studies in Detroit to continue her study in the arts. Hannah earned the “Best of Show” award, as well as ribbons for first and second place in several different mediums, and she has worked very hard to earn those honors.

“She is really the star of the show tonight.”

Students, family members, and interested community members gathered at the library and were served light refreshments along with a generous portion of artistic talent. Griffin said that these shows always have received great support from the community, and last year’s attracted about 300 people.

“We are so fortunate to have this great partnership with the library,” Griffin added.

The exhibit will remain on display at the library through April 27, and is open during regular library hours.

The larger-than-life pencil drawing of a mythical creature was a conversation starter at Friday’s art exhibit reception.

This mixed-media ink drawing was one example of the variety of artwork on display.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.