On the evening of March 25, 2026, Newark students and families searched Lincoln Elementary School for pictures of an art fox who held clues to an important question: Who is ART for? The overwhelming answer: ART IS FOR EVERYONE!
More than 230 guests attended the second annual Family Art Night, hosted by the Newark Visual and Media Arts Department. The event was open to all UPK-12 students and their families.
In coordination with National Youth Art Month, the theme this year was “Around the World.” Artmaking activities celebrated different cultures and traditions from around the globe, including Origami from Japan, Amulet Buttons from Egypt, Clay Vessels from Ancient Greece, Weaving from Ancient Mesopotamia and Native Americans, Paper Marbling from Persia and Turkey, Caricatures from 16th Century Italy, Papel Picado Banners from Mexico, and Mindful Mandalas from Ancient India! The night also included games, a raffle, a photo booth with props, and refreshments donated by the Lincoln School and Perkins School PTAs.
“It was so well attended by families, students and staff. It was a fabulous event for the entire community,” Ian Mutch, NMS Assistant Principal stated. “I especially liked the Egyptian Amulet button making station and the Papel Picado banners!”
All seven NCSD Art teachers, two student teachers, eight CCLC after school staff, and two dozen student volunteers worked together to run the event. Perkins and Lincoln Assistant Principal Stephanie Martin shared, “I was amazed and impressed at the number of staff and students who came out to help. Each space had something new to offer. Families were able to be creative and enjoy time with their families - I saw smiles all around.”
“The entire event was so intentional and well planned; students and families had huge smiles on their faces as they came in and left,” said Julia Solan, Director of Family and Community Engagement. “It was absolutely incredible!”
The Art Department would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the behind-the-scenes helpers leading up to the event, everyone who came to work or volunteer at the event, as well as all of the students and families who attended the event! Your support, participation, and appreciation of Visual and Media Arts education is what made a night like this possible!