Library art wall features local students | Top Stories

According to Sprague, the work stemmed from the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, which began in 1979, and “aims to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth.” Each year, more than 4,000 high school students nationwide participate, she said.

“We are proud to feature some illustrations of patriotism from our Franklin Academy students who took part in this year’s contest,” Sprague said, adding that the mixed media portraits on display were created by the high school students using recycled cassette tapes, and they were inspired by artist Erica Simmons and her “talent of merging music records and tapes to create unique portraits.”

The library’s art wall has been a feature for more than a year now, with its first artist appearing in April 2025, and was the brainchild of Sharon Carey, a part-time library staffer who had the vision of an art wall to feature local artists and provide them an opportunity to have their talents recognized.

The Homegrown Art wall at the Wead Library has proved to be a popular attraction, according to Carey, and staff have reported much interest and many compliments on the various artists’ works that have been featured so far.

Carey told the Telegram that she is pleased to have the work of local students featured through May and June.

“The Wead Library is very excited to have the opportunity to present student artwork from our own Franklin Academy,” she said. “The many talented artists’ unique works will be displayed and a big thank you to students and teachers for making this all happen again this year.”

The artwork was selected and submitted by Sprague and fellow FA art teacher Edith Thompson.

Franklin Academy whose work in on display are: Mia Franklin, Jozlyn Steenberge, Luciana Demers, Kaia Collins, Sophia LaBrake, Phoenix Donais, Jayden Santamore, Ava Langelier, Eric Hargarten Jr., Lucas Herrmann, Kelsie Charlebois, Addison Metzler, Liam Reyes, and Annabelle Ross.