17 Apr ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE WELCOMES STUDENT ARTISTS TO ESSEX COUNTY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. JUSTICE BUILDING County Partners with Art Educators of New Jersey to Highlight the Creative Talents of Essex County’s Students
Published on April 17, 2026
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Art Educators of New Jersey welcomed 41 students from throughout Essex County to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building in Newark for the Art Educators of New Jersey student art exhibit on Friday, April 17th. This is the 19th year DiVincenzo has partnered with the Art Educators of New Jersey to highlight student artwork at the Essex County Government Complex. During the months of March and April, the first-floor lobby of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Building was transformed into a student art gallery. Employees and visitors to the county building were treated to colorful and lifelike portraits, paintings, and drawings.
“Essex County is home to incredibly talented and creative student artists across all grade levels, from elementary to high school. The original artwork featured in this exhibit is truly inspiring,” DiVincenzo said. “I am proud to collaborate with the Art Educators of New Jersey to showcase this exhibit, which highlights our students’ remarkable achievements and provides the public with a glimpse into the outstanding talent within our schools,” he added.
“We sometimes lose sight of the importance that art has in our society, especially how our children learn. It is proven that when children get exposed to art, their test scores improve and humanity is better,” Senate Majority Leader and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said.
“The arts play a vital role in building strong, healthy communities. They provide students with a powerful voice, encourage meaningful self-expression and foster creative thinking. At a recent statewide meeting of Youth Art Month chairpersons, many counties spoke about the challenges they face in securing exhibition spaces. I am proud to say that Essex County stands apart. Through the leadership of our County Executive, the arts continue to be valued, supported and celebrated,” said Amanda Palumbo, an art teacher with Abington Avenue Elementary School and coordinator of the Essex County Chapter of the Art Educators of New Jersey Student Art Exhibit.
This year’s show featured original works of art created by 41 students who ranged in age from elementary school to high school level. The students came from 10 different Essex County schools. The students whose drawings and paintings that were featured in the exhibit are as follows:
- Abington Avenue Elementary School in Newark: Gabriella Battista, Samuel Garcia, Yajaira Tubon Guayan, Zoraida Vargas, Renelle Paul, Fernanda Lucero Sanchez, Allys Aldaz Paredes and Keithy Alexis DeLeon
- Deerfield School in Short Hills: Evelyn Iones, Eleanor Hirsch, Nina Zhao and Amelie Arjoon
- Delia Bolden Elementary School in Maplewood: Ben Lilley, Casper Welch-Albright, William Lozito and Graziella Jackson
- East Orange Community Charter School in East Orange: Nashley Jimenez, Snaehlee Pierre, Mikayla Romain and Somayah Gaffney
- James Caldwell High School, West Caldwell: Mia Capote, Selina Feng, Michael Finguerra and Milianna Theodule
- Lester C. Noecker School, Roseland: Elizabeth B.
- Nutley High School: Gianni Nabes, Enessa Reyimbayeva, Caroline Vellon and Alekxa Ortega
- Salome Urena Elementary School in Newark: Sanjana Baran, Aida Villafuerte, Alicia Bustamante and Ashley Gonzalez
- South Mountain School in Millburn: Matthew Kramer, Zoe Braff, Lucas Chen and Maize Schacter
- West Essex Regional High School, North Caldwell: Alexandra Hermans, Olivia Hines, Leah Kirk and Nicolette Capalbo
The Student Art Exhibit is part of the County Executive’s initiative to recognize the accomplishments of Essex County students.
# # #