Participants in Manchester are Encouraged to Pursue their Artistic Talents

Even after twelve years with the National Arts Program®, the show still continues to stun visitors with the exceptional artistic talents on display. Even city officials like Mayor Ted Gatsas, who annually attends the awards reception to personally congratulate the winners, commented that, “It is exciting to know that the City of Manchester has so many talented artists within its community.” So many in fact that the walls of City Hall were filled with more than 150 pieces of artwork created by various city departments employees, volunteers, retirees and their family members.

 

Organizing one of the largest exhibits of artwork to date can be overwhelming, but Coordinator Vicki Ferarro, in partnership with the volunteers from the Manchester Arts Commission, always does a tremendous job with the annual exhibit. From displaying the artwork on the walls in City Hall to the awards reception held in the City Library’s Auditorium, every participant is given the professional art show experience down to the last detail.

 

One big change Vicki noticed this year was the sharing of personal experiences and pictures by participants and their family members via social media. Posts like this one from Lauren Boisvert on Instagram proudly displaying her Best of Show ribbon with her award winning piece (pictured). Lauren wrote, “Won "Best in Show" at the Manchester City Art Show for the painting on the upper left. The painting on the upper right is also mine. Then I come home to a scholarship from NHIA ‘...a competitive scholarship, based on department recommendations and your academic performance.’ Days like these keep me chugging along on my art journey.” Helping to inspire participants, like Lauren, to keep pursing their artist talents strikes right at the heart of the NAP’s mission to encourage the artist in everyone and we look forward to continuing this in the future!