SALISBURY — Since the end of the school year, Salisbury Elementary School students’ artwork has lined the walls of Town Hall.
The display of 20 to 30 pieces of art is part of the “Town Hall Art Show”, an annual event that showcases student creativity.
Parks and Recreation Administrator Jenn Roketenetz said the idea for the show came about a few years ago when a community member visited an area town hall and marveled at its art display.
Roketenetz said she was happy to arrange a similar show in Salisbury, allowing children of all ages and abilities to be recognized.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to give youth a platform to shine and kind of making sure we’re checking all the bases, not just sports or one particular thing,” she said. “So, I’m always trying to find arts and music and different avenues to give platforms for youth.”
So Roketenetz and others attended Salisbury Elementary School’s art show to see students’ art. Together, they selected pieces to be displayed at Town Hall in collaboration with Jennifer Bergeron, an art teacher at the school.
After the pieces were chosen and hung at Town Hall, Roketenetz allowed Town Hall staff and town leaders to vote on their favorite pieces.
On Monday, when the voting ended, prekindergarten student Theodore Pelletier was named the winner for his piece “Snowy Owls”.
Theodore’s artwork will be framed and hang at Town Hall until his high school graduation. It will then be gifted back to him.
Town Manager Neil Harrington said he was impressed with the show and the student artwork.
“It’s really great to see so many of our Salisbury Elementary and preschool students participating in the ‘Town Hall Art Show,’” Harrington said. “The talent on display in the hallway upstairs at Town Hall is amazing, and I commend Jenn Roketenetz for coordinating and promoting this event.”
Roketenetz said the art show allows local children to feel connected to Salisbury Town Hall.
“It’s one of the most important buildings in the town, so I think it really is significant for kids to have their artwork displayed on those walls,” she said.
To celebrate the young artists, the opening night for the art show is Monday at 6.