Silvermine Arts Center’s Art Partners Outreach Education Program is proud to announce their annual book project showcasing the creative talents of young artists from the Norwalk Housing Authority Learning Centers. The book is a testament to the power of art and literacy in fostering self-expression, confidence, and a sense of community among students in grades K through five. The publication titled “I am” is the culmination of creativity, teamwork and a shared belief in the power of art and storytelling.
Through a twelve-week residency, the young students engaged in a series of art and writing workshops, led by Silvermine Teaching Artists. The program guided students in creating striking self-portraits to capture their unique identities while integrating fundamental artistic techniques such as proportion, symmetry, and color mixing.
Complementing their visual artwork, students engaged in composing poetry, crafting personal reflections to celebrate their voices, dreams, and experiences. The combination of portraits and prose offers a moving and powerful representation of their creativity, confidence, and self-expression. These expressive artworks and writings are compiled into a beautifully designed book, celebrating the voices and visions of the talented students.
“This program is a powerful example of how art can elevate learning, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen community connections,” said Missy Savard, Coordinator of Outreach Education at Silvermine Arts Center. “Each student’s contribution is a meaningful reflection of their journey, their creativity and their bright future.”
The culmination of this extraordinary initiative is an annual book dedication at the Norwalk Public Library Main Branch on Friday, May 16 where students will proudly present their work. The original self-portraits will be exhibited at Silvermine’s Student Gallery starting April 15th, offering the community an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these young artists. Copies of this year’s book will become part of the permanent collection of the Norwalk library, ensuring a lasting legacy of this meaningful collaboration.
Silvermine Art Partners extends its gratitude to the Norwalk Housing Authority, the Norwalk Public Library, and the dedicated educators who helped bring this project to life. This initiative exemplifies Silvermine’s ongoing commitment to providing enriching arts education experiences to students of all backgrounds, reinforcing the vital role of creativity in personal and academic growth.
The student artwork and poetry will be on display in the student gallery (in the main school building) at Silvermine Arts Center throughout June. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
