Applewild student's artwork featured in 'The Painted Tea Set'

Many Applewild fifth grade students are now published artists with the newest publication "The Painted Tea Set."

The book, a recent publication by Youthinkwell, a non-profit publishing company, is the story of a disgruntled artist who travels through time to find the true meaning of life, includes the art work of many Applewild students.

The artwork includes pieces by Aidan Cyr and Nick Bryars, both of Ashburnham, as well as Sean Jablon, Piper Harrod and Jonathan Chernoch, all of Westminster.

To celebrate the publication of "The Painted Tea Set" there will be a reception at the Fitchburg Art Museum on today from 5 to 8 p.m.

Autographed copies of the book will be available for sale. All of the proceeds from these sales will contribute to this community service project.

Youthinkwell creates books "for kids, by kids, to save kids," and the proceeds from the books raise money to build wells in Africa.

Last year the fourth grade students at Applewild School in Fitchburg worked with Jennifer Sarja, of Youthinkwell, for their community service project.

Sarja is a 1988 graduate of Applewild School, and a 1995 graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

In June 2006, Sarja returned to Applewild receiving the Laverack Family Alumni Award. This award is presented to a former student that has contribute unselfishly to the common good and whose character, spirit and benevolent service provides leadership and support for the needs of the community.