Students from several Middletown elementary schools pose with their contributions to a display of Calendar Project art, now on view at the township’s Arts Center.

Press release from Middletown Arts Center

In honor of the 350th Anniversary of Middletown, students from twelve township elementary schools reproduced their artwork from the annual “My Middletown School Year Calendar Project” on 4’ x 4’ mural panels, currently on view at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC). Having been displayed at the Church Street facility since the Middletown 350 Parade on June 21, the panels will be relocated for display to Croydon Hall on Leonardville Road, in conjunction with Middletown Day on Saturday, September 27.

The “My Middletown School Year Calendar Project” was initiated in 2010 by Linda Kish, who serves on the Board of Trustees of the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council. Participating Middletown elementary schools include Middletown Village, Harmony, Lincroft, Leonardo, New Monmouth, Ocean Avenue, Navesink, Fairview, Bayview, Nutswamp, Port Monmouth and River Plaza Elementary Schools.

The students worked with their art teachers to create pieces depicting places around Middletown Township. The selected entries were then forwarded to the MAC, which made the final selection of art featured in the calendar.

This year’s calendar design was created by the Middletown High School North Graphic Design Class, with instructor Dorothy Bagley. The Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council produces the calendar each year, and they are posted up at Middletown schools and throughout Middletown Township.

The Calendar Project would not be possible without the work of art teachers Diane Bajor, Sharon Stafflinger, Mary Henderson, Lisa Montibello, Laurie O’Keefe, and Doreen Georgiou.  Principals Kathy Sidoti and Karen Zupancic were instrumental in coordinating the multiple aspects of the project including the painting of the panels.  Mrs. Sidoti and Mrs. Zupancic served as liaisons between the art teachers, students, PTAs, the Arts Center and the Township.

“The Calendar Project is a great collaboration between the Middletown Public Schools and the Arts Council,” said Maggie O’Brien, Executive Director of the Middletown Arts Center. “This year’s Calendar Project was extra-special because of our 350 Celebration and the creation of the beautiful murals…it gives us a very special and unique view of our township.”

A reception was held earlier this month at the Middletown Arts Center  to honor the young artists and showcase their artwork to the general public. Calendar posters will be available to the public free of charge after the reception. Call (732)706-4100 for more information.