LOWELL, Mass.–Several Wang Middle School students were recognized for their artistic abilities at a reception held by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. The students’ artwork is now showcased at Jeanne D’Arc’s Lowell Branch on Merrimack Street.
“This is a wonderful way to support local students and we are happy to show off their amazing work,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “Over the years, the art has sparked many positive comments from our members and visitors who are highly impressed by the talent of these children.”
From early March to the end of May, the artwork of 14 students in grades 6-8 will be displayed on the shelves of Jeanne D’Arc’s Lowell Branch. The colorful artwork demonstrates 160 various techniques of art and brings fun to the branch building.
At the reception, the proud students showed off their pieces to their parents, enjoyed cookies and refreshments and received certificates of achievement for their hard work and accomplishments.
“The boost of confidence gives the kids a reason to do it, said Marta Magnus, Wang Middle School Art Teacher. “It’s so important that they are acknowledged for what they do,” she added.
In 2011, Magnus thought her students should be recognized for their unique and individual efforts. Using her own money and the free time she had, she approached local businesses with the idea to have her student’s artwork displayed in their buildings.
“I just thought, we have such talented kids, we need to get their work out into the public,” said Magnus.
Since then, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union said it has been the only area business that has continued with the innovative partnership by exhibiting the art pieces and rotating them out every few months to give more students the opportunity throughout the school year and into the summer.
Below, celebrating the artwork of Wang Middle School students, (from left, back row) Gratia Gosselin, Financial Education Specialist at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Maura Clark, Assistant Treasurer-Branch Manager at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Lowell Branch, (front row, from left) Marta Magnus, Wang Middle School Art Teacher, Moussa Dienta, Grade 7, Katie Neves, Grade 7, João Pires, Grade 6, Alana Harris, Grade 6, Natasha Gallego, Grade 7, Viona Kamoni, Grade 6, and Stephany Deassis, Grade 6, gather at the reception held on Thursday afternoon at Jeanne D’Arc’s Lowell Branch, where the art pieces are displayed.