From the Fairfield-Sun.com

Drawings by two students at The Unquowa School in Fairfield students are among those featured in a special gallery show, featuring 150 works by children from 22 countries, now open at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

Maeve Kelly’s piece is called ‘Lady Liberty.’

Maeve and Olivia have entries in the 17 presented by Creative Connections in Norwalk now through Labor Day. The free exhibit is displayed in aquarium’s IMAX Theater lobby, which can be entered without paid admission.

Theme of the 2013 show is “Illuminate! Bringing My Culture to Light.” The drawings and paintings were created by children, ages 8 to 16, who were challenged to share a cultural belief or value that is meaningful to them. The catch — they also had to include a natural, man-made or symbolic source of light.

“It’s interesting to see how the children’s responses range broadly, while at the same time reflect similarities — such as family, friends and community — despite their different worlds,” said Judith Bacal, the aquarium’s exhibits director.

Pieces are included from 22 countries around the globe, including China, Poland, Uganda, Cambodia, Guatemala, Latvia, Cyprus, Turkey, Senegal, Nepal, Mexico and Ireland.

Two Unquowa School students are part of the Maritime Aquarium’s children’s art show. Olivia’s entry is entitled ‘Christmas Time.’

Children from Connecticut, including dozens from 16 schools in Fairfield County, are equally represented. Maeve’s entry, “Lady Liberty,” represents our nation’s freedoms, while Olivia’s “Christmas Time” celebrates her family’s holiday traditions.

Generally, other moments or topics chosen as meaningful by Connecticut students include Fourth of July fireworks, parades, school days, Relay for Life events, religious celebrations and gatherings of family and friends.

Previously during the school year, through Creative Connections’ ArtLink program, the artwork of the Connecticut students was exchanged with the pieces by the students from overseas, allowing insights into their partners’ cultures.