For the past 25 years, Cranston Public Schools’ art department has held an annual show at Central Library on Sockanosset Cross Road.

For the first time since 2019, Artsfest will return to an in-person setting.

“It’s good to be back to normal,” said Jill Cyr, Cranston High School East art teacher.

Cyr is in her twelfth year advising Artsfest and her 22nd year of working as an art teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from Massachusetts College of Arts and completed her master’s degree in art education at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Student artwork will be displayed in the library through March 30 with a two-hour opening reception starting at 6 p.m. on March 9. Approximately 300 students from Pre-K to grade 12 will have their works on display.

Cyr said the opening reception is a favorite night for the district’s art teachers. Not only do they get to share the art with parents, students and faculty, but the Cranston community. Cyr noted the beauty of the event is that pieces remain up for a month, giving individuals who may not have been able to attend the opening reception a chance to admire the students’ work.

As for the prep work that comes with Artsfest, the district’s 27 art teachers start selecting pieces from their classes a month before the event; any project from the beginning of the year until the end of February is considered. Once selections are made, each teacher brings their students’ artwork to Central Library to hang it. Cyr said she and the other teachers would hang the show on March 1.

The show will consist of 2D and 3D works. The 2D pieces consist of paintings, illustrations, graphic design work, printmaking, drawing and mixed media. These items are placed in the library’s main gallery and reference section. The 3D items, including ceramics, sculpture and mixed media, will be placed in the main gallery and the library’s display cases. Additionally, students who were chosen for the Regional Scholastic Art Awards will be highlighted in their own section. Cyr noted that the library has been a helpful and lifelong partner.

Right before the pandemic started, the show was set up and shut down with the lockdown.

“The library graciously made a video of the artwork and posted it on YouTube,” Cyr said.

Last year’s event was also virtual, and the library assisted with that video.

Cyr said past opening receptions for Artsfest saw around 300 people.

This includes principals, administrators, school faculty, families, friends, students and community members.

“It’s really fantastic that we’ve been able to host this,” said Ed Garcia, Library Director of Cranston Public Library.

He said the opening reception takes over the library Cyr noted that the only difference between this year’s reception and past receptions is that refreshments are not available. Additionally, the space allows individuals to move freely throughout the gallery, which can assist with people’s different comfort levels.