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.”
According to High School art teacher Wayne Franklin, this is a chance for students to show work in the community that is sure to be seen. High School exhibits will be shown in the former Ives Cream building on South Broad,. but will lack the same holiday theme seen in other windows, Franklin said. “Students are excited and nervous at the same time,” he added.
“It’s to appreciate the art work done by our students all year instead of waiting just for the District Art Show in May ... I would hope that everyone that passes by will take the time to enjoy the work,” said Franklin. He also expressed his gratitude for Chris Hayes, the building owner, to allow this opportunity.
Pfeifer and Wilson began to post snowflakes, wreaths and snow man displays Tuesday, adding a vibrant “Winter Wonderland” theme to the empty windows of other buildings. In addition to the former Ives Cream, Lawrence said decorations will cover windows of the former Salvation Army, the former Morrisville Norwich Extension and the city owned building at 42 and 44-46 N. Broad. Other possibilities include the previous location of Made in Chenango and an empty space next to the Dollar Tree on North Broad.
“Building owners have given us a chance to dress their windows up and it’s a great opportunity for business owners, the city and the school district,” said Lawrence. “It draws attention to the buildings. We’re taking the initiative to beautify downtown so it doesn’t leave a vacant hole.”
Art teachers plan to decorate windows throughout the year and change the theme of their displays every few months. “Winter Wonderland” will be replaced in February, said Wilson, but the next theme is still undecided.