The Da Vinci Festival Student Art Show has returned to the Broome County Public Library in New York after a nearly ten-year hiatus. Organized by Chenango Valley art teacher Matthew Wilson, the exhibit features artwork from students in kindergarten through 12th grade across 18 schools in seven districts. The festival had not been held since 2017 due to a coordinator stepping down and subsequent delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This revival matters because it reestablishes a cherished local tradition that gives young artists a public platform to showcase their work. The library had received persistent inquiries about the festival's return, reflecting strong community demand. Wilson aims to expand the show back to its peak of 25 schools, and schools are already expressing interest in participating next year, signaling renewed engagement with arts education in the region.