The Al Lesser Building at Riverdale Regional Park teemed with life, beauty, and artistic spirit as Brighton Cultural Arts Connection and 27J Schools partnered last month to celebrate student artwork from 16 schools within the district. 

On April 18th and 19th, over 800 people–students, parents, guardians, family members, friends, and local art enthusiasts–flocked to the art show to admire student artwork in five categories: 2D, 3D, Graphic Design, Photography, and Unified. 

“This is what we’re all about,” beamed Kathryn LeDonne, BCAC chair, “bringing people together through the power of art!” BCAC collaborated with art teachers from across the district, as well as with Superintendent Will Pierce, who was very supportive and appreciative of the effort.

Bright’nJazz, under the direction of Kat McCusker, added a sophisticated musical atmosphere on day two of the show, underscoring the magic that happens when different forms of artistic expression join forces.

Three studio artists from Brighton’s Main Street Gallery–Judith Dickinson, Kathy Hansen, and Ed Hansen–served as judges, along with Steve Simcox, a member of BCAC’s Public Art Committee.

LeDonne expressed her deep appreciation for the many members of the community–students, artists, teachers, musicians, Adams County employees, grant funding organizations, volunteers, and of course the many attendees–who came together to make this event such a huge success. “It really demonstrates what can happen when the community works together to support the arts and especially to support these amazing, talented kids,” she said. 

Those kids, of course, were the real stars of the show. As Kathy Hansen, one of the judges, commented, “I was so impressed with all the student talent. Creating art is so fun. It definitely expands their brain cells. Pretty soon they are viewing this beautiful world with a different eye, an ‘artsy eye.’”

BCAC awarded a total of $3,000 to the schools whose students won Best in Show awards and $500 to the school whose student won Superintendent’s Choice. These awards were made possible by a Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) grant and a City of Brighton Creative Community grant. 

BCAC has hosted the 27J District Art for two years now, and next year promises to be even more successful. We’ll let you know as soon as we have next year’s venue and dates!