New London Adult Education, the Florence Griswold Museum and Expressiones Gallery will host the opening of the exhibition "Inspired Voices" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Since November, the Florence Griswold Museum has held art workshops with New London’s Adult Education English Language Learners. Printmaking, collage, ceramics and three-dimensional masks have been some of the media through which these students, representing nearly 30 countries, have learned to express themselves. The intent of these workshops, funded through a grant, is to give “voice” to the immigrants and refugees as they learn English, adapt and integrate themselves into their new communities. For many, this is the first exposure to art, while others have studied it before.

Jose Garaycochea, director of the Expressiones Gallery on Main Street in New London, will host the Friday Grand Art Opening of the culminating work over these six months. This exhibit aims to allow the community to embrace these students and understand their backgrounds, experiences and talents. Similarly, this exhibit will permit these students to show off their countries and backgrounds and give them an opportunity to express themselves through a different means, as opposed to often being encumbered when speaking and writing a new language.

For more information, contact Andrea Fenton at New London Adult Education.