Artists of Bristol and High School Students Unite for Celebrate Art! Exhibit

Grundy Library spotlights the talent of local creators, from high school students to professional artists

Creativity and color fill the stacks of the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library as high school students and Bristol’s artistic community gather to showcase their brilliant artwork for the Annual Celebrate Art! Exhibit, on display from March 6 through April 2. 

The exhibit brings together emerging artists from Harry S. Truman High School and Bristol High School alongside the members of Artists of Bristol on the Delaware.  

Paintings, sketches, sculptures, ceramics, digital art, crafts, mixed media pieces, and photography fill the Youth Area and Snyder Room within the Library, giving visitors a glimpse into the imagination and talent of Bristol’s local professionals and emerging young artists.

There has been a heartfelt show of community support this year. More than 155 people attended the opening reception on March 6. Friends, families, and patrons showed up to celebrate and cast their ballots for the People’s Choice Winners.

“The art exhibit always brings such a special energy to the Library, and we’re thrilled to gather and recognize the extraordinary talent within our community,” Megan Marks, Director of the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, expressed.  

Isabelle, a student sculptor, said creativity motivates her work. 

“I like how creative you can be and how you can do anything,” she said. “When I worked on an animal concept, I started with a bunny and then added all these details. I like being able to make things complicated and manipulate the material. It becomes unique to represent my ideas.” 

Her teacher, Amy Freeman, said that freedom is an important part of the artistic process. 

“Through different projects, students learn there is more to see than they first realize,” Freeman said. “They start creating artwork with more layers and meaning.” 

For many students, inspiration comes from family. 

Arianna, a sophomore, said art is something she shares with the people closest to her. 

“My favorite art is clay because you can be very creative with it,” she said. “I take a lot of inspiration from my sister and my dad because they were both really into art. It’s something we can bond over.” 

Family influence also shaped Veronica’s photography whose work reflects her admiration for her mother. 

“My main inspiration has been my mom,” Veronica said. “When she was my age, she loved art and focused on nature. That inspired me to explore nature in my work, too.” 

Nature itself became the subject for several artists in the exhibit. 

James, a photography student, said he is fascinated by reflections and subtle details in the natural world. 

“This photo was taken at the end of autumn when the ice was just starting to thaw,” he said. “I wanted to capture the reflection in the water and the leaves. Reflections add another layer to the photo.” 

Several students are in the process of discovering where their artistic journey might lead. 

Carlos, a senior who sketches amazing portraits, said he began creating art after seeing his brother participate in the exhibit last year. 

“My brother did it before, so I wanted to try,” he said. “Right now, it’s just a hobby for me.” 

Sofiya, a junior who enjoys experimenting with painting, also sees art as a possible path forward. 

“I just like doing it,” she said. “I might study it eventually, though I haven’t decided that yet.” 

For Sarai, trying ceramics for the first time opened a new creative door. 

“I never did ceramics before,” she said. “What I liked most was shaping it. I decided to make sushi because I wanted to create something I actually like, and Asian.” 

The exhibit highlights how artistic inspiration can come from many places. Family traditions, the natural world, cultural influences, or simply the desire to try something new. 

For Ellis, watching fellow students create art sparked an interest that continues to grow. 

“I was inspired by seeing other kids’ work. I wanted to give it a try.” Ellis said. “If I could, I would like to take my art to another level.” 

At the opening reception, four outstanding artists from Artists of Bristol on the Delaware were selected as winners by esteemed judge Christopher Monteiro, a veteran artist, art director, and art teacher whose expertise brought thoughtful recognition to the evening. The Grundy Foundation sponsored the awards. The highly anticipated People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Grundy Library, will be announced after the exhibit concludes.

The Celebrate Art! exhibit is also a testament to the Library’s role as a cultural hub for the community. By opening its space to young artists and local creators, Grundy Library provides a platform where creativity and community connect and creativity has no limits.

Patrons can visit the exhibit through April 2 and explore the inspirations and ideas that shape the next generation of artists. 

Stop by the library and experience it yourself! Be sure to cast a ballot for your fan favorites. The voting for People’s Choice Award ends Thursday, April 2.