NHS Festival Of The Arts Spans Three Nights

By Eliza Hallabeck

Over the course of three nights, May 26, 27, and 28, as different concerts were held in the Newtown High School auditorium, fine and applied art students waited in the school’s lobby at booths from 6 until 9, ready to explain and entertain guests with what they have learned and created all year in the.

For the first time, the Fine & Applied Art Department Arts Festival was held in conjunction with the school’s Spring Concerts.

“The students are doing this anyway,” said Kristin Violette, about the projects on view for the night of May 28.

The Connecticut Innovation Academy students displayed a computer project they have been working all year on. Theater students demonstrated their improvisational skills from a raised stage built on the side of the lobby for the three nights. Business education students waited with a board and diagram to explain basic needs and wants to visitors. And ceramic students created works of art alongside advanced painting students in the rear of the lobby.

Different students participated each night in the three-night event. The school store was also open for the three nights.

Culinary students served visitors food throughout the festival, and artwork was hung along walls set up for the event. The concerts began at 7 each night, and Fine and Applied Arts Department Chair Jay Daly said about 800 people in total attended the programs.