Belleville students earn honors at annual county art show

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and the Art Educators of New Jersey welcomed 109 students from throughout Essex County to the Hall of Records for the Art Educators of New Jersey student art exhibit on Friday, March 23.

This is the 14th consecutive year DiVincenzo has partnered with the Art Educators of New Jersey to present the student artists exhibit at the Hall of Records.

Among the students honored for their artwork were many from Belleville High School and School No. 3.
During the month of March, the first-floor lobby of the Hall of Records was transformed into a student art gallery. Employees and visitors to the county building were treated to the colorful and lifelike portraits, paintings and drawings.

“Essex County has some very creative and talented student artists at all age levels from elementary to high school. The original artwork that is included in our exhibit is truly inspiring,” DiVincenzo said. “I am proud to have been a partner with the Art Educators of New Jersey to present this exhibit. This is an opportunity to promote our students’ positive achievements and enables the general public to see the talent in our schools.”

“We open a new world for students with art programs. We all must recognize the critical importance that art has in our society,” said NJ State Sen. and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz. “I commend the students for sharing their artwork with us in this exhibit.”

“We must have art in all of our schools. So many students express themselves through their artwork,” Freeholder Patricia Sebold said. “I want to congratulate all the student artists for their marvelous contributions today.”

“This is a wonderful observance to emphasize the value of art education for children of all ages and encourage support for art programs in our public schools,” said Catherine Kondreck, chairwoman of the 2018 New Jersey Art Educators of New Jersey Essex County Exhibit. “These students have worked very hard and it is wonderful to have them receive this recognition. Kudos to them and our county leaders for continuing to put Essex County and our children first! We especially want to thank the county executive for giving us the opportunity to share the talents of our students with the public.”

This year’s show featured original works of art created by 109 students who ranged in age from elementary school to high school level. The students came from 17 different Essex County schools.

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