LIFE

It was art for the ages and art for those under age 18 at Artbeat 2026, the district-wide exhibit of student artwork.

Looking for that perfect gift for a friend or family member? A piece of art that moves you? You don’t have to go far to find something you’ll love. There are so many talented people right here in West Hartford that may have just what you’re looking for. Here, we bring you one of those folks.

Art students at Cromwell High School took a short bus ride to Covenant Living of Cromwell to meet with an older generation that shares the same interest in visual art. It just might be the start of a longer-running collaboration.

From Russia to New York City, Canada to Argentina, Matt Dwonszyk’s varied career includes work as a bassist, composer, arranger, band leader and educator. It all started when he was 11 when his older brother Joe gave him his first bass.

Nick Frasco is an artist who loves to create. But he also understands the business aspect of being a professional artist and the need to market one’s work. Put the two together and you have a combination of art, performance and live music scheduled for May 2 at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center. Plumrose will be the musical guest.

With moments that ranged from a soul-stirring “Call Him Up” by the Gertrude Banks Gospel Choir to a reflective version of U2’s MLK from Combined Ensembles, Simsbury High School’s Choral Collage was pure musical bliss.

Marcos Carreras has local roots but a far-reaching musical life. His talents and enthusiasm for music have brought him from West Hartford, where he grew up, to the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts, where he has been teaching for several years, to music collaborations far and wide. A recording artist as well, he currently lives with his wife and daughter in Farmington.

Through a series of meetings and events, it helps people see the community through different lenses. About 40 people belong to this organization whose mission is to increase interest in the visual arts by providing stimulating demonstrations and exhibitions.