A downtown eatery is offering more than something good to eat during the holiday season.
Some of the pictures on the walls of Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe (photo from Darien Public Schools)
Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe (UCBC), 980 Boston Post Road, has been hosting a first-of-its kind public art showing of student artwork from the Darien Public Schools.
Whether you enter from the street or through the rear hallway from the parking lot, UCBC patrons will be able to see 71 pieces of art from elementary, middle, and high school students.
None of the artwork, however, is for sale, according to the organizer Jaclyn Sammis, K-12 Art Coordinator for the district.
“Many students get their work hung around their schools, but this is a time to elevate their experience to being artists in a public show,” said Sammis. “While art is obviously visual, it doesn’t always get shown at such a public place like UCBC where so many people will see it.
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— an announcement from Darien Public Schools
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Sammis said those visiting the art display should focus on each piece for how the artist used line, color, value, texture, and how they represented their own ideas.
The K-12 Art teachers are focusing on the theme of “Nature” in 2015-2016 with all students, which can be seen in some of the pieces. The Art Department show planned for Town Hall and the Darien Public Library in Spring 2016 will reflect the nature theme prominently.
Sammis acknowledged the support of her department, and help of teachers Sonia Almonte and Rebecca Stern, and Darien High School students Luke Whittaker and Nadia Czebinak for the installation of the artwork.
“Our students get recognized for all their achievements in sports, academics, and musical performances throughout the year. This art show is our “game” or “concert” to show everyone what the K-12 art program can do,” said Sammis.
“Art is key to a child’s well-rounded learning experience. It teaches them to express themselves, develop their own artistic voice, and express their ideas visually.”
The UCBC display will remain through the holidays and into January. For more examples of student art work, click: Darien Public Schools Art