Cranford Students Earn Spots in 2026 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit

Five Cranford students have earned recognition in the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, a celebration of artistic achievement that is currently on display at the Linden Public Library through August 14.

Alivia Boone and Nicole Wilson from Cranford High School, Nuno Carvalho and Maya Andersen from Lincoln School CAP, and Gabriella Mott from Orange Avenue School are among 38 young artists whose work was selected for the traveling exhibit. Their inclusion reflects the quality and creativity emerging from Cranford's schools.

Union County Life celebrates the achievements of young artists and the programs that support creative growth. The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is one of those programs—an annual opportunity for students across Union County to showcase their work, gain recognition, and inspire their peers.

The 38 pieces on display were chosen from the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Festival, a two-day celebration of literary, performing, and visual arts held at Union College of Union County's Cranford campus. The festival brings together young creators from across the county—writers, performers, visual artists—to share their work and connect with one another.

"Our Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit showcase the incredible creativity, talent, and dedication of young artists from every corner of Union County," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. "We are proud to provide opportunities for these students to share their work with the public and gain recognition for their artistic achievements."

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Residents can visit the Linden Public Library at 31 East Henry Street to see the work of Cranford students and young artists throughout Union County.

The exhibit will continue traveling to multiple locations across Union County through early 2027. Future stops include the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth, the Elizabeth and Plainfield public libraries, and Union College of Union County's Scotch Plains campus. This allows more residents to discover and celebrate the artistic talents of the county's young people.

The Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation to recognize and promote artistic achievement among young people throughout the region.

FAQ

Q: What is the Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit?
A: The Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is an annual traveling showcase of artwork selected from the Union County Teen Arts Festival. It features visual arts, literary works, and other creative pieces by young artists from across Union County. The exhibit travels to multiple public venues throughout the county to give residents the opportunity to see and celebrate student creativity.

Q: How are students selected for the exhibit?
A: Student work is selected from the Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day celebration held at Union College of Union County's Cranford campus. The festival brings together young artists, performers, and writers from throughout the county to share and showcase their work. The 38 pieces displayed in this year's touring exhibit were chosen from festival entries.

Q: Who are the Cranford students in this year's exhibit?
A: Five Cranford students are represented: Alivia Boone and Nicole Wilson from Cranford High School, Nuno Carvalho and Maya Andersen from Lincoln School CAP, and Gabriella Mott from Orange Avenue School.

Q: Where can I see the exhibit?
A: The exhibit is currently on display at the Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry Street, Linden, NJ, through August 14, 2026. After that, it will travel to the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth, the Elizabeth and Plainfield public libraries, and Union College of Union County's Scotch Plains campus through early 2027.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes. The exhibit is free and open to the public at all venues.

Q: What types of artwork are in the exhibit?
A: The exhibit features visual arts and literary works selected from the Union County Teen Arts Festival. The 38 pieces represent diverse artistic styles and creative talents of young people throughout Union County.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit?
A: The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Contact these departments or visit Union County's website for more information about upcoming festivals and events.