Students showcase history-inspired art

Pre-AP art student Sierra Taylor shows her 3D sculpture at the 'Building Bridges: Windsor Walks' exhibition premiere at the Windsor Historical Society on Jan. 10. Photos by Colin Rajala.

Windsor High School’s pre-Advanced Placement art students are showcasing their most recent paintings, sculptures and photographs in the "Building Bridges: Windsor Walks" exhibition at the Windsor Historical Society. The students’ art was inspired on a field trip where they walked downtown Windsor and examined the historic architecture of Windsor’s Palisado Green and cemetery, the Farmington River bridges and the more modern structures surrounding the town green. The exhibition will be on display in the society’s meeting room through March 2.

On the students' field trip, they explored the question, “How does experience impact interpretation?” Art teacher Marge Renno said that many of the students soon realized that they walk or drive through the area on a daily basis, but rarely, if ever, stop to look at the finer details and take in the design aesthetics. Students' work was inspired from the smallest details like the spindles on decks of Victorian houses, to intricate designs and patterns in fabric and gravestones, to larger details like the arches of the Farmington River bridge and the reflections in the river.

“They all participated in the same experience, but each was drawn to different elements due to their own personal histories here in town and was able to develop distinctive artworks that reach out to our community. It’s the ultimate authentic experience for students of any age,” Renno said.

Students met with West Hartford photographer Amber Jones, of Studio Pura, to learn techniques for photographing their own artworks and mounting an exhibit. Renno said the opportunity for the students to go out in the field and draw inspiration, work with a local artist, professionally mount an exhibit and publicly present their work created an authentic experience from start to finish. Renno added the student’s authentic experience will be taken to the next level as they serve as guides and tour members of Windsor’s Caring Connections through the exhibit to learn first-hand how art communicates through all ages.

“I want students to begin to develop confidence in their own work and to have an opportunity to recognize the value their work has to offer, in this case its ability to bridge generational gaps and begin community conversations,” Renno said.