New Canaan Students Shine At 2025 Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition

Information via New Canaan Public Schools

NEW CANAAN, CT — Students from New Canaan High School and Saxe Middle School were recently honored for their outstanding work at the 2025 Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition.

According to a news release provided by New Canaan Public Schools, the exhibition is hosted by the University of Hartford's Art School in West Hartford.

The event runs through Jan. 31 and highlights the talent and creativity of students from across the state, according to the district.

This year, the Silpe Gallery at Hartford Art School features artwork from 14 New Canaan High School students and one Saxe Middle School student. The works include drawing, painting, photography, digital art, ceramics, printmaking and film.

Students received recognition ranging from Honorable Mentions to Gold Key Awards, the highest regional distinction, according to the district.

New Canaan Students Honored

Gold Key Awards

• Michael Telesco – Gold Key Award, CAEA’s Best in Digital Art (Digital Art), "The Great Solar Eclipse"
• Wilhemina DeFosset – Gold Key Award (Photography) “My Sister, the Caregiver” & Honorable Mention for Senior Portfolio "My Sister, the Caregiver"
• Emily Meng (Saxe Middle School) – Gold Key Award, CAEA’s Best in Drawing "Tibetan Farmer" & Silver Key Award (Drawing & Illustration) "Release"

Silver Key Awards

• Ben Bognon – Silver Key Award (Drawing) “The Lonely Tiger”
• Amy Meng – Silver Key Award (Digital Art) “We Are Porcelain” & Silver Key Award for Senior Portfolio “Distorting Reality”
• Sophia Staron – Silver Key Award (Ceramics & Glass) “Overgrown Medusa”
• Ayush Dave – Silver Key Award (Photography) “Tug of War”
• Lilly Messina – Silver Key Award (Printmaking) “My Name’s Sake”
• Sarah Frank – Silver Key Award (Digital Art) “A Visit Through the Window”
• Victoria Fromzel – Silver Key Award (Film) “The Little Present”
• Anna Fiorito – Silver Key & Honorable Mention (Painting) “Cycle of Existence – Purple” & “Cycle of Existence – Red”

Honorable Mentions

• Isabelle Kelly – Honorable Mention (Painting) “Oliver”
• Ava Smock – Honorable Mention (Drawing) “Ophidiophobia”
• Maddie Sirois – Honorable Mention (Comic Art) “Mortis Series”
• Jack Vincent – Honorable Mention (Photography) “Game Night”

The Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards program, a nonprofit initiative supported by volunteers, honors outstanding student artwork from across the state.

Open to students in grades 7–12, the program is juried by professional artists and university faculty to uphold a high standard of artistic excellence, according to the district.

"This achievement highlights the excellence we strive for in every aspect of education, particularly in the arts," NCPS Director of Visual and Performing Arts Laura Newell said in a news release. "Our district is deeply committed to arts instruction, recognizing its essential role in fostering creativity and critical thinking. These awards reflect our students' passion, perseverance, and talent, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate their accomplishments."

The exhibition is currently on view at the Silpe Gallery at Hartford Art School through Jan. 31, with gallery hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.