Discover the ‘One World Project’: A Must-See Exhibit at the Mystic Museum of Art!

MYSTIC — The Mystic Museum of Art is showcasing a unique exhibition called “One World Project: Art, Culture, and Children’s Literature from Around the World.” This exhibit aims to highlight how young artists can connect through their creativity and shared experiences. According to Sara Leone, the museum’s director of advancement, it’s about “the journey of young artists as they join a global conversation.”

This exhibition dives into how stories and cultures are communicated across time and space. Leone explains that it explores children’s literature and how these vibrant tales shape our understanding of the world. The theme for this year is “Migration,” inviting visitors to consider what it means to leave one home for another and what we choose to carry with us.

As part of the “One World Project,” public school students engage with various art forms and cultures. This initiative seeks to encourage students to innovate and build community connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

In September 2024, 16 middle school students from New London’s Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet School embarked on a creative journey. They examined over 30 classic children’s stories from all corners of the globe. Guided by art educators, they discussed how these narratives reflect their cultures and how such stories can travel to new places, becoming treasures for new communities.

Each student chose one story to bring to life in three dimensions. They explored various materials and methods, crafting key scenes and characters from their selected tales. Leone noted that the students discovered shared themes within their stories, such as wit, resilience, and insights about the world around them.

The exhibition will be open until Sunday, March 9, showcasing the students’ artwork, their creative processes, and their roles as emerging artists.

The museum expresses gratitude to the Connecticut Office of the Arts, CT Humanities, and The Kitching Family Foundation for their support in making this project possible.

For over a century, the Mystic Museum of Art has been a hub for the arts in southeastern Connecticut. Established in 1913, it has evolved to offer a variety of enriching programs, including curated exhibitions, educational talks, public activities, and hands-on workshops.