The MSAD 11 Art Extravaganza was held Wednesday, May 11 at Gardiner Area High School. It featured art created by students in art classes throughout the district.

In addition, it included high school book art, video production films and music, according to a news release from Debra Butterfield, teacher-librarian.

With support from Gardiner Thrives to promote healthy choices and well-being, Little Chair Printing demonstrated screen printing on a portable bicycle press. Prints were shared as a keepsake.

Upstream, a nonprofit dedicated to fish passage, showed its newly-released video “Keystone: Voices for the Little Fish,” featuring students and staff from the high school. They also created a mural in the hallway offering guests an opportunity to make wishes for fishes.

Face painting, button making, and book art stations provided opportunities to create art.

Students and community members reflected on the Art Extravaganza:

“It was very extravagant. I was inspired by all the artwork and the kids that came. There were so many artists. It was great to see a generation of creativity and people being themselves unconditionally,” Aura Henderson, GAHS student.

“The thing I enjoyed the most was having conversations with local artists,” said Brett Palmer, GAHS student.

“I was glad to see that the community came out and was interested in the event. It was fun to be able to celebrate the arts,” said Aidan Eastman, GAHS student.

“It was great. It was fantastic. My son, Joshua, is 9 and did not want to leave,” said Christina Riddle, MSAD 11 parent.