From May 22-29, Toquet Hall is being transformed into a gallery for students from all over Fairfield County to submit their paintings, drawings, photography, and sculpture.

11 years ago, Staples graduate Katherine Brag ’07 started the art show as she was an artist herself and she wanted to give students a place to display their work.

Kevin Godburn, director of Toquet Hall mentioned that all submissions are accepted into the show which is what gives it such diversity. And he’s right; this year the show includes everything from beautifully framed photography to colorful finger-painted pieces.

“I just love the variety and the opportunity to showcase everything from the portfolio piece to the photograph that came out just right, to the sketch that a student is really proud of,” Godburn said.

Toquet Hall Teen Center is usually known for its concerts and plays that it hosts (for example the Staples Players show, “Museum” opening on June 6th) so the art show is a nice change of pace.

In the past, the show had so many pieces that they had to turn people away; however, this year because no students volunteered to lead the planning, submissions were way down. As a result  they had to use paintings and photos from past years mixed in with present pieces.

However Godburn is hopeful and said he expects this is just temporary and next year submissions will build back up.

If anyone is interested in helping plan future shows or join the Toquet Teen Governing Board, they can contact Toquet Hall at [email protected] or download an application from their website.