Students Show Off Work at Foxborough Street Painting Festival

The following is part of the Foxborough School Committee’s Teaching and Learning Highlight series as submitted by Assistant Superintendent Amy Berdos.

The artistic talents of Foxborough High School students along with Foxborough’s first annual Street Painting Festival were featured as the Teaching and Learning Highlight at last Monday night’s School Committee meeting. On May 2, 2015 artists ranging from elementary to adult age brought their hands and imagination to showcase their talents on a sidewalk square as part of Foxborough’s first annual Street Painting Festival, which took place at Patriot Place. Ms. Kelly Arcacha, Foxborough’s K-12 Art Department Head was joined by Brianna Boger and Amber Dauphinee both graduating seniors of FHS to share the events of the day. Patriot Place, Foxboro Dental Associates, and the Foxborough Public Schools Art Department sponsored the event. Ms. Arcacha noted that the event would not have been possible without the support and sponsorship from Foxboro Dental Associates.

“Where Smiles Come Alive” was the theme for the festival and was easily visible from the artists themselves and in their artistic chalk art displays. Students and adults of all ages showcased their talents using pastels to create a piece that illustrated the festival’s theme. Participants were grouped by age level in four different categories; grades K-4, 5-8, 9-12 and adults nineteen and over. Prizes donated by Foxboro Dental Associates were awarded to first, second and third place winners for each of the categories. Special thanks were given to the judges Dwight Darian, Director for Creative Services at New England Patriots, and Frank and Joann Quinn both members of the Foxboro Art Association. In addition, prizes were awarded to artists based on people’s choice. Those visiting Patriot Place were able to purchase tickets and cast their votes for their favorite works of art. The proceeds from the People’s Choice Award went to a scholarship for a graduating Foxborough senior. Each year The Foxboro Art Association presents a scholarship to a graduating senior and thanks to the People’s Choice Award was able to expand this to two scholarships benefiting two FHS graduates.

When asked about the overall experience, Ms. Arcacha said that the day was a huge success and was a true team effort. “Amber designed the logo for the brand of the event and Lindsay Cuniff and Brianna Boger as part of their Senior Project worked countless hours to make sure the event went off,” she said. Ms. Arcacha encourages all to log on to the festival’s Twitter feed at https://www.twitter.com/foxboroartfest or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/foxboroughstreetpaintingfestival to see all of the wonderful works of art. They look forward to making the Foxborough Street Painting Festival an annual event!