NORWICH – The art department of the Norwich City School District is working with city officials and area building owners to bring a seasonal look to empty storefronts on Broad Street by displaying students’ artwork in the windows of vacant buildings.

The idea to decorate bare windows was discussed among faculty members at department meetings. Art teachers Margaret Fetzko of Gibson Primary, Kathy Pfeifer at Perry Browne, Matthew Wilson in the middle school, and the high school’s Tara Chase, Brenna Gray and Wayne Franklin agreed to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity for their students.

City Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence has worked with the faculty in carrying out the process. “This has been initiated in other municipalities,” said Lawrence, adding that the idea has been relatively successful in other business districts. Chelsea Law, city intern through the BOCES Unique Careers Placement Program, began working with the school district to start the project.

Students of the Perry Browne Art Club and middle and high school volunteers and have prepared to make their work public since the idea originated. “It’s a good project for them, especially in a small community. They really like having their work out there in the public,” Wilson said. “And part of this project is to show the community how important art is.”