Maria Arias with one of her drawings.

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Gonzalo Martinez shared his painting with his family.

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Nan Lenore talks with Frank Kemp who helps provide transportation to community art workshops.

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Maria Arias, a high school junior, walked through the art exhibit wide-eyed and smiling. Only after a bit of encouragement did she point out which pieces were hers among the many drawings, paintings and sculptures that compose the Briggs High School 10th Annual Art Exhibit that opened Wednesday evening.

“The last time I did well in art was in elementary school,” Maria said. “But I came here and I love it.” One of Maria’s drawings was used for the exhibit’s poster and invitation.

Briggs’ art teacher Nan Lenore served informally as a docent and guided community members through the exhibition. Many of the pieces were completed during collaborative programs with community art institutions including the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk and the Silvermine Guild Art Center in New Canaan, she said.

“The exhibit represents different skills, different projects, different approaches from the kids,” said Lenore. Students take at least one art course but they have the option of taking additional semesters as electives. Lenore said she regularly works with the students to blend their artistic talents with their academic work such as geometry and science. “Sometimes their art inspires their creative writing,” she said, citing another example.

“She is a really good teacher,” said Gonzalo Martinez, 16. “She really inspires us.” Gonzalo assisted with the installation of the exhibit but on Wednesday evening he was one of the stars, proudly pointing out his painting to members of his family.