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Parents said they were proud their students’ work was displayed along with artwork created by professional artists in the gallery.

Shadow Mountain has displayed elementary school artwork each March — Youth Art month —since 1993, when only two schools participated, according to Don Fairchild, a member of the gallery. Wilmot, Parmalee, Marshdale, King-Murphy, Bergen Meadow and Bergen Valley are represented because elementary school art teachers want a local place to display their students’ work, Fairchild said.

It’s called “ e Kids Are Back” because the show was canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic.

Fairchild explained that the elementary school art show was important because it helped children develop an interest in creative work, especially because the show gives them a place to show others their hard work.

He emphasized that the art show was not a contest, and awards are purposely not given for rst, second and third place; instead, it’s a show to celebrate art.

Wilmot fourth grader Axel Riggi explained the abstract landscape he made inside an air pod case using markers and a type of clay to create the three-dimensional view.

“ ey learned to think outside of the box,” Marcus said. “ is assignment was all about abstract art.”

Mom Stephanie Riggi called the art show incredible, noting that it was nice for the young artists to see their work alongside that of local professionals.

“ is is great for their self esteem,” she said. “ ey produced incredible pieces.”

Marshdale third grader Madelyn Bruchez created a colorful pop-out unicorn using part of an egg carton for the head, adding that she liked unicorns and art.

Mom Adriana Bruchez was excited both that her daughter was in the art show and that Madelyn has taken such an interest in art. Adriana’s great-grandmother was an artist, so Adriana gures Madelyn inherited that artistic ability.

Kindergartner Ellie Dicerbo, who says she loves pink and rainbows, created a pink and blue chalk pastel drawing.

“I love art because it makes me happy and it’s super fun and colorful,” Ellie explained.

Ellie viewed the artwork created by other students with her sister Cici, 3.

“I’m really proud to see her work in a gallery,” Ellie’s mom Jamie Way said. “(Art is) all they do at home.”

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