North Branford Students' Artwork Chosen for International Art Exhibit

Drawings by two North Branford Intermediate School students are among those featured in a special gallery show featuring 121 works by children from 20 countries, that’s on view at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

Sally Cucinotta and Megan Butler, both 12, have entries in the 19th International Children’s Art Exhibit, presented by Creative Connections of Norwalk now through Sept. 1. The exhibit is free because it is displayed in The Maritime Aquarium’s IMAX® Theater lobby, which can be entered without paid admission.

Theme of the 2015 show is “Picture the Moment.” The drawings and paintings were created by children in grades 3 to 12 who were asked – through Creative Connections’ ArtLink program – to draw and paint pictures that “thoughtfully capture a moment depicting one’s ethnic and cultural identity.”

In her entry, “Ballerina en Pointe,” Cucinotta depicts herself at her ballet class. Butler’s “New Baby” shows a mother and child snug in a bed, surrounded by beaming family members.

Generally, the exhibit proves that moments or topics chosen as meaningful by Connecticut students – family, friends, traditions, faith and activities – are similarly important to children around the globe. Pieces are included from 20 countries, including Uganda, Nigeria, Japan, Jordan, Cyprus, Russia, China, Sri Lanka and Brazil.

Previously during the school year, artwork by American students was exchanged with pieces by the students overseas, allowing insights into their partners’ cultures. Many schools also held videoconferences with a partner international school to share information about the project and themselves.

For more details about other exhibits, IMAX movies, programs and more at The Maritime Aquarium this summer, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org or call 203-852-0700.