Norwich (January 6, 2022) — Norwich Arts Center’s Gallery One exhibit in January is dedicated to five star art students at Three Rivers Community College.

“The artists were chosen because they have been doing outstanding work,” said Sandra Jeknavorian, visual fine arts coordinator and art professor at Three Rivers. “Their work represents the kind of assignments we do at the college. Some are beginners, some at the end of their degree program, and one who is an ‘lifelong learner’ senior citizen who is taking the classes for personal enrichment. The exhibit is a great reflection of the diversity of students studying at Three Rivers.”

The five students — Marc Bryan, Robert Lattanzio, Kelsey Ng, Bellana Parungao and Aurora Vennari — will be hanging over 30 works in NAC’s Gallery One, which offers a new exhibit each month. Their artwork includes landscapes, portraits, illustrations and abstracts.

Jeknavorian said she hopes the exhibit helps raise awareness of the arts program at Three Rivers. Students of any skill level, from beginner to accomplished, are welcome to enroll. Many of the classes are conducted online, some at the college. Courses are available individually or as part of an associate’s degree program. The program offers free tuition for individuals who do not have a college degree or are 62 years old or older. More information is available at threerivers.edu.

“There is a misconception that you have to be born with natural talent, which isn’t true,” Jeknavorian said. “All it takes is an interest, a desire to do it, a little encouragement, and learning the fundamentals from an instructor.”

The student exhibit will be officially opened at a reception on Friday, Jan. 7 during Norwich’s downtown First Friday events, 6 to 8 p.m., though the exhibit is available starting the day before, Jan. 6. Most or all of the artists will be present to talk about their work.

The original article can be found here: “Three Rivers art students showcased at Norwich Arts Center.“