Hartford Public Schools is celebrating 52 years of partnering with the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art for the Hartford Youth Art Renaissance. in which student artwork is on display in a special exhibit. On May 14, student artists in grades K through 12 were invited to an opening reception at the museum where there were speakers, presentation of awards, and light refreshments.
If you were unable to attend in person, you can view all the student artwork in the video below or by clicking here.
Please enjoy the statement about the importance of arts education by Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez at the opening reception:
We are so lucky to have a world-class arts institution like the Wadsworth in our City of Hartford.
The arts are so important for our lives and at all levels of education.
Importance of Arts Education
A study by the National Endowment for the Arts shows that students who participate in the arts are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and become active community members.
By fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, the arts prepare our students to thrive in an ever-changing world and lead with innovation.
Celebrating Community Through Art and Student Voice
This year’s theme—Celebrating Community Through Art—couldn’t be more fitting.
Our students have used their creativity to represent the people, places, and shared experiences that shape their lives.
Through their artwork, they are not only honoring their communities but also practicing one of the most powerful skills we can teach: how to use their voices to connect, reflect, and inspire.
They are becoming skilled communicators, just as we envision in the five competencies that make up HPS’ Portrait of a Graduate.
The Arts Fuel Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Creating art requires reflection, risk-taking, and decision-making—skills that are foundational to becoming critical thinkers and innovative problem solvers.
These pieces didn’t appear by accident—they are the result of students analyzing, experimenting, revising, and persevering through challenges.
Being a Problem solver is also a core competency in our Portrait of a Graduate, and tonight we see it come to life through art.
Equity, Empathy, and Belonging
Art has been a fundamental part of human culture and community for tens of thousands of years—used to express identity, communicate across generations, and connect people through shared meaning. In our schools today, that tradition continues.
When students engage in the arts, they can reflect on their own experiences and reach a better understanding about the perspectives of others. This builds empathy, strengthens community, and helps create learning environments where every student feels a sense of belonging.
The Arts Prepare Students for Life, Not Just School
Involvement in the creation and appreciation of the arts is linked to significant improvements in outcomes beyond the classroom, as research shows that students engaged in the arts demonstrate higher levels of creativity, critical thinking, and even higher academic performance overall.
We want to thank the Wadsworth for being a strong partner for Hartford Public Schools and becoming a space where Hartford youth can explore the arts to the fullest.
Special thanks to our devoted partners in this work, Jeffrey Brown, President and CEO, and Stephanie Barnett, School and Teacher Programs Manager, at the Wadsworth Atheneum and their entire team. Congratulations to Kelsey Maxwell, our Unified Arts Curriculum Specialist, and Abigail Sutcliffe, Unified Arts District Coach on bringing this tremendous effort to life.
Click here to enjoy some photos from the opening reception.