'Something much bigger than themselves.' Fairfield students raise awareness for breast cancer with art exhibit

More than 160 students from Fairfield Public schools have created masterpieces currently hanging at the Pequot Library.

Justin DeVellis

Oct 25, 2024, 1:54 AM

Updated 2 hr ago

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The school community in Fairfield is standing up to breast cancer through art. More than 160 students from Fairfield Public schools have created masterpieces currently hanging at the Pequot Library. "When you're surrounded by all this pink," says Michele Hermsen, art department coordinator. "You definitely have a sense of community and sense of support." It's all part of the inaugural think pink exhibition benefitting the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. "The rate of breast cancer unfortunately is getting higher and higher every year," says Jennifer Jennings. "The good news is that more and more women are surviving." Organizers say early detection saves lives, and they're hoping the exhibit inspires more women to get mammograms. "When I was in elementary school," says art teacher Heather Nokta. "I'm not sure I had awareness of breast cancer, and now we're starting with this platform of even our youngest students realizing that it affects our community so wholly and they're able to participate in something much bigger than themselves." The exhibit is open to the public until Oct. 31. Organizers say they're hoping to make this an annual tradition every October.