New Haven Public Schools’ Art Extravaganza
Wilbur Cross High School
New Haven
April 9, 2026
Everything about New Haven Public Schools’ Art Extravaganza at Wilbur Cross High School impressed me, down to the student greeters.
“Welcome,” a young lady said to me as she gracefully opened the door to the showcase.
My eyes feasted on all that I saw in front of me. To my left were rows upon rows of remarkable artwork created by students from all 40 of New Haven’s public schools. To my right were tables of free goodies and an Oscar-worthy photo booth. In the back was a long table of inventive cuisine made by Wilbur Cross Culinary Arts students. Betsy Ross Arts & Design Academy students worked as curators of the show, and on the day of the event they served as assemblers, kids’ craft table wranglers, and greeters.
Holly Maxson, supervisor of fine arts for the New Haven Public Schools, said that this year they wanted the art show to be more like a festival. So, of course, they had to have free face painting. There were also free coloring books and crayons for the kids, and an interactive scavenger hunt. 530 people were there when I walked in, and they were still coming when I left. Maxson’s goal was 500 attendees – she was thrilled.
Maxson also proudly shared that the pieces with gold stars were judged by the Yale University Art Gallery jury. The artwork revealed skill beyond these students’ years. I imagine that the jury had a tough time as there was so much talent on display.
As I walked around my eyes were pulled in by the colors and textures and visionary perspectives in the artwork created by all of the students. The show was organized by grade level and, let me tell you, even the Pre-K students crafted pieces that I would proudly hang up on my walls. As a cat lady, I have to say that my favorite piece was the chromatic cat painted by a young Picasso in the making. It was dignified with a gold star, of course. To be fair, for me, I think it was tied with the “Stop ICE” painting done by Cooperative Arts & Humanities Magnet High School 10th grader Allison Fajardo Zamora. Zamora’s painting was a striking call-out against injustice, a testament that bravery and integrity knows no age.
A vivid rendition of poinsettias caught my eye, so I was honored to get the opportunity to speak with the tiny artist. “I used a lot of paint,” shared Abigail M. of her artistic process. “So, first we had to use a sponge of a petal shape, then we painted the background, and then painted the middle with a Q-tip.” She told me that she loves flowers, and it was evident in her work. Abigail was also holding a beautiful bouquet of pink roses given to her by her god sister Ava. I nearly wept as they shared a loving hug. The moment was too perfect.
The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library was in the building in addition to the Ely Center of Contemporary Art, the Yale University Art Gallery and New Haven Paint & Clay Club. Beinecke’s Community Engagement Program Manager Charles Warner Jr. proudly shared that the library has collaborated with New Haven Public Schools for a while, designing programs for K-12 students and educators. They work on several projects together, including a teacher’s cohort and an ambassador program with students who want to work in the library and museum fields.
I learned a couple of really cool things from Warner. “Beinecke is one of the hottest spots on the planet,” he declared. “If you look at TikTok, everyone’s there trying to take pictures, have photoshoots and just be on the spot. It’s hot and it’s beautiful and it’s one of one.” He also shared that Beinecke has been promoting the untold story of America’s first institution of higher learning for Black men that was supposed to be founded in New Haven in 1831. Michael Morand, Beinecke’s director of community engagement and the official historian for New Haven, worked with artist and Yale School of Art professor of art in graphic design David Jon Walker, Warner and New Haven native Tobias Lucky to produce a documentary.
As I moved along, I heard “Do you like weird music?” over my shoulder. Naturally, I stopped right in my tracks. I had already planned on covering Ely’s music series, and Board of Director’s member Adriana Bergstrom’s proclamation really sealed the deal for me. In fact, their table contained a ton of flyers for a wide range of events that I am certain I will attend. From the Yale University Art Gallery’s table, I picked up a postcard of a stunning 6th century BC Greek vase. They had an enticing assortment of postcards that were hard to choose from.
Throughout the festivities, the Wilbur Cross Jazz Ensemble’s truly professional level musicianship (I go to a lot of jazz shows) upheld the celebratory mood.
I left saying, as I always do, “New Haven’s got A LOT of talent.”
