Fourth of July 2023 Issue

Student Artists Paint
Library Windows
Story and photos by KAREN FUCITO
The Jefferson Arts Committee hosted
its first Window Painting Contest on
a Saturday in June at the Jefferson Township
Library.
The competition was open to all schoolage
children in the township, said Linda
Santangelo, event chair. Three teams of
middle- and high school-age children
participated. One team was made up of
five members from Girl Scout Troop 96725
and another team was comprised of four
members from Girl Scout Troop 96406. The
third team was made up of three Jefferson
Township Middle School students from
special education teacher Theresa Fogel’s
class.
According to Santangelo, teams were
required to submit a sketch of their artwork
prior to the June 10 competition.
“We wanted the artwork to be summery,”
said Santangelo.
Each team painted the outside of two
side-by-side 41-by-44-inch library windows.
All supplies were furnished by the arts
committee. There was no entry fee.
“We only asked the kids to bring their own
snacks,” said Santangelo.
Painting kicked off just after 9 a.m. and
Left to right: Representing the Curious Canvas
team are Isabella Bavosa, Rachel Breen, Jaelyn
Edore and Amanda Buccieri. Ashley Rosado
working for team Pickles. Tegan Petretti, from
team It’s Giving..Summer team, dabs on a cloud.
teams finished by noon. Voting by the public
was done on-site at the library the following
week. Winners were announced at an awards
ceremony on June 21, also at the library. Teams
were judged on use of color and how well
they executed the theme of their sketch,
said Santangelo.
Team Curious Canvas, Brushes, Books and
Brains won first place with the likeness of
Curious George next to a stack of books and
a field of bird houses.
Team It’s Giving … Summer received second
place for their version of a day at the beach.
And team Pickles won third place for
their colorful version of a library filled with
bookshelves, kids and puppies.
For freshman Jaelyn Edore, a member of
team Curious Canvas, the day was enjoyable.
“It’s a good way to bring the community
together,” she said.
Kathy Buccieri, mom of Curious Canvas
member Amanda Buccieri and co-leader of
Troop 96406, was more to the point.
“They’re being creative, they’re off their
technology and they’re outside in the fresh
air,” she said.
Santangelo was pleased with the turnout.
“The mission of the arts committee is to
promote the arts,” she said.
“And involve youth,” added Carol Punturieri,
arts committee president. “We’re hoping that
the kids involved in today’s event will bring
more to the event next year.”
Santangelo is certain the contest will
become annual and is already thinking of
ways to expand the competition.
“Next year will be open to adult teams as
well,” she said, adding that the committee
will also look into inviting local professional
artists to join as special guests.
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