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.

When you take your dog for a walk, let them sniff the grass, stare at squirrels, and enjoy their time. That’s the message dog behavioralist Debbie Sheridan wants dog owners to know.

Even in the days of social media, video games and streaming shows and movies, this student essay contest was a huge success. With entries numbering many, members of the town’s Mayor’s Youth Council had their hands full judging them all to determine winners.

Unassuming in its pursuit, The Roberts Foundation for the Arts is one of the strongest supporters of the arts community in the Greater Hartford area. “We fund everything—symphony, theater, dance, choral groups, museums, heritage homes,” said Executive Director Lisa Curran. “We’re driven by excellence in the arts; always looking for the upper tier performance.”

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.

Forget sports—this competition may be harder than anything requiring physical aptitude. King Philip Middle School’s Team 1 will represent West Hartford and the U.S. when they go to New Zealand in July to compete in the Kids’ Lit Quiz, an annual literature contest for students aged 10-13. They’ll be competing against teams from around the world in an intense and brainy battle of the books.

Once again, the extraordinary talent of Hall High School’s Pops ‘n Jazz players went unmatched last month, as the more than 100 student performers from the school's Concert Jazz Band, Jazz Band II, Jazz Dancers, Choraliers (singers), and Giovani Solisti (string players) showcased what they do best.