Newark Public Schools Students Showcase Creativity at Newark Arts Festival

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools students brought their creativity to the 25th Annual Newark Arts Festival joining their families and community partners for a celebration of art, music, performance, and hands-on creative activities.

The event, described by Arts Ed Newark as the anchor of the festival’s youth programming, featured the Newark Public Schools Youth Art Exhibition, giving district students an opportunity to share their artistic voices with the broader community. The student artwork that was displayed was created by students kindergarten through grade 12 throughout the district.

“Our students were poised to see their creativity and talents celebrated in Newark’s cultural life,” said Superintendent León. “From exhibiting their artwork to designing the flyer that helped bring families to this event, our students made meaningful contributions to the Newark Arts Festival.”

Arts Ed Newark Executive Director Lauren G. Meehan praised the facilities, arts teams, and staff who volunteered to help, for the kindness and attention they extended to guests and one another.

“The respect, kindness and love they showed to each other as a team was reflected back and given to Arts Ed Newark and received by all of the students, families, and community partners who attended the event,” said Meehan.

“Our students contributed their talents, and our staff worked together to make families feel welcome,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We thank Arts Ed Newark for its partnership and for recognizing the people whose dedication made this event possible.”

NAF Kids offered young people and their families opportunities to experience the arts and participate in creative activities as part of the citywide festival, which ran October 7 - 11 under the theme “On Purpose.”

“Displaying student artwork in a citywide festival gives young artists an audience beyond their classrooms and helps them build confidence in their own creative voices,” said Devonne DeNose, Director of Visual and Performing Arts. “Our Newark Vocational graphic design students also had an opportunity to apply their learning to a public event. These experiences help students understand how their skills can connect them to their community and open doors to future opportunities.”

Newark Public Schools was among the organizations supporting this year’s Newark Arts Festival. The district’s participation brought student creativity into a celebration of Newark’s arts community. Arts Ed Newark worked with Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez and Newark Vocational High School’s senior leadership beginning in the spring to prepare for the event. Graphic design students created the event flyer, while hospitality staff contributed their expertise to coordinate setup and prepare a rain contingency.

“Our partnership with Arts Ed Newark helps us extend arts education beyond the school day and connect students with the creative opportunities all around them,” Superintendent León said. “This event demonstrated the possibilities that come from bringing our schools, families, and arts partners together.”