First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced that the Parking Authority of Fairfield held a ceremony last Friday at the downtown train station to showcase the first of a series of displays of Fairfield Public Schools student art work.
The ceremony was held inside the station house on the NY-bound side of the downtown train station. In attendance were Parking Authority members, including its Chair, Elise McKay, First Selectman Mike Tetreau, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones, Fairfield Warde High School Headmaster David Ebling, Michele Hermsen, District Art Department Coordinator for the Fairfield Public Schools, FWHS art teacher Margaret Capron, the town’s Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, proud parents and many supporters.
Johanna Estevez joined her five Digital Illustration students who attend Fairfield Ludlowe High School for the unveiling of their art work:
Rory Gill – “Charming Town Green”
Luka Holderied – “Vibrant Arts”
Jillian Mastro – “Dynamic Downtown”
Lillian Phillips – “Unique History”
Jessica Takami – “Beaches”
Each artist received a framed gift of their work that is being displayed inside the station house. Students from Fairfield Warde High School were also present to give a preview of their artwork which will be showcased on the north-bound side of the downtown train station before the end of the school year. Students from both high schools are also creating banners of their work that will be hung on the ornamental lampposts in Fairfield Center.
In September, the Parking Authority of Fairfield had asked Michele Hermsen, District Art Department Coordinator for the Fairfield Public Schools, whether it would be possible to create student art work for display at the downtown train station. Eagerly accepting the challenge, seniors in Johanna Estevez’ Digital Illustration class were tasked with creating pieces reflecting their vision of the unique aspects of the Town of Fairfield.
Elise McKay, Chair of the Parking Authority, said, “Everyone involved in this project was struck by the remarkable talent and professional quality of the student art work. Partnering with the schools has been a rewarding way to bring our community together. The downtown train station is an ideal place to display this impressive artwork that will give thousands of commuters something to enjoy seeing. We are so grateful to the District and the students for taking on this project. These young artists have bright futures ahead of them!”
Michele Hermsen, District Art Department Coordinator for the Fairfield Public Schools, conveyed her appreciation for the collaboration and support from the town and how its partnership with the schools helped make this project a great success.
First Selectman Tetreau stated, “I can’t think of a better place than Fairfield’s downtown train station to showcase this incredible art depicting the essence of what makes our town so vital and unique. I am so proud of all of our talented students whose work is a major contribution to Fairfield’s arts and cultural scene. I also want to thank our dedicated teachers and school administrators for helping our students realize their full potential.”
The photo shows (l-r): FLHS art teacher Johanna Estevez, First Selectman Mike Tetreau,
Parking Authority Chair Elise McKay, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones, District Art Department Coordinator for the FPS, Michele Hermsen, FWHS Headmaster David Ebling, and FWHS and FLHS art students.