On May 19, Creative Connections’ 2011 International Children’s Art Exhibition opened at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT. The show features the artwork of over 200 students from the United States and more than 30 countries around the world. All of the artwork in the show was created by students participating in ArtLink, Creative Connections’ international art exchange program. Students taking part in ArtLink are asked to create artwork reflecting some aspect of their life and culture to be shared with their partner class. This year, in recognition of the importance of water in all cultures, and the different roles it might play, students were asked to incorporate water into their artwork. The pieces featured in the show were selected by a panel of jurors who were asked to identify those pieces which they believed offered the best insight into the artist’s life and culture in the context of the water theme. Over 125 guests attended the opening reception, including 25 students whose artwork is featured in the show, their families, 15 participating ArtLink teachers, and many friends of Creative Connections. We offered a special welcome to 12 guests from Peekok Youtharts in Nigeria, our international art partner of the year. The show will be on display at the Maritme Aquarium, Norwalk, CT through June 30, 2011.

Artwork: Gold Fish Catching, by Minami, age 16, Japan