K-12 student show reception set for March 13

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Public Schools K-12 Art Show annually highlights student artwork from all of the city’s 11 schools. It is typically held at Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts Zilkha Gallery, however, it will take place virtually later this month due to the pandemic, according to a press release.

The show, in its 40th year, typically draws about 2,000 spectators during its run. The March 13 reception, which will run from 5 to 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to meet visual arts teachers, Fine Arts Department head, Julie Shvetz, Chief of School Operations and Communications Marco

Gaylord, Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner and other distinguished guests, the news release said.

On view will be student art, from kindergartners working in various mediums to advanced placement art students working in sculpture and oil paints. This year will feature special highlights from the 40-year history, including memories, as well as work from retired art teachers and MPS alumni, according to the release. The show also provides evidence to the wider community that art education matters, it said.

This event is in partnership with the Middletown Board of Education, Middletown Cultural Council, Wesleyan Center for the Arts and Wesleyan’s

Community and University Services for Education.

To attend the reception, visit bit.ly/37VDFxd.

Middletown Public Schools / Contributed photo Middletown Public Schools will host the annual K-12 art show.