ENFIELD – Superintendent Amanda Isabelle is pleased to share that the Mascoma Valley Regional School District’s former artist-in-residence has been recognized for an original work she created during her residency.
“A Cairn of Hope,” by Kathleen Peters of Canaan, earned second-place honors in the online J. Mane Gallery Art Exhibition in the Landscapes category. The painting portrays vistas on the summit of Mt. Cardigan in Orange, and a cairn. The painting symbolizes the importance of peacefulness and patience in trying times.
Peters began working with the District in the 2021-2022 school year. Peters, a District parent, initially wanted to create a COVID-19 memorial painting for Mascoma Valley Regional High School. The District invited Peters to take part in an Artist in Residency program. Peters partnered with Jason Jarvis, an art teacher at the Canaan Elementary School and Enfield Village School, to develop curriculum through which students explore how artists use visual metaphors to communicate ideas.
Peters worked with students during art classes, and led them through art projects. She also worked on paintings in common areas, allowing faculty, staff, and students to ask questions about her work and processes.
“While I went with the intent of encouraging the schools, I was the one who was truly encouraged,” Peters said. “The children’s hearts are so big and tender. They have a true caring spirit, and they have a deep value of so many noble things: joy, kindness, teamwork, patience, goodness, perseverance.”
Peters created four works for the District. “A Cairn of Hope” can be seen at Canaan Elementary School. “Mt. Cardigan” and “The Winter Wren” were created for Enfield Village School. And “Our Hearts Are Bleeding: A Covid Memorial” was installed at the High School.
“The Artist-in-Residence program has been an integral part of Mascoma for a decade,” Superintendent Isabelle said. “Kathleen’s residency began during a challenging time in our district. Her ability to interact with students, and to share her passion for her art, helped our community to look for the positives amid the challenges of the pandemic.”
“A Cairn of Hope,” by Kathleen Peters of Canaan, earned second-place honors in the online J. Mane Gallery Art Exhibition in the Landscapes category. (Courtesy Photo Mascoma Valley Regional School District) 
Kathleen Peters worked with Mascoma Valley Regional School District students, and shared her passion and techniques. (Courtesy Photo Mascoma Valley Regional School District)
