Groton ― Students had the opportunity to dance, draw, make their own music and more during the Celebrate the Arts Festival at Northeast Academy Arts Magnet School in Groton on Thursday.

For Principal Ryan Chaney the annual event allows the school a chance to celebrate its community of current and former students as they enrich the arts theme of the school.

“What we look to do is give our kids a really enhanced opportunity to explore visual arts and performing arts and to really see what pathways they have ahead of them,” he said.

The annual two-day festival continues Friday with students participating in workshops and performances. The workshops include Sea Chanteys with Craig Edwards from the Mystic Seaport Museum, How to Draw Comics with Brett Swanson, making mini guitars with the Mystic Museum of Art and dance classes with the International Dance and Fitness Academy of Groton. Performances include groups from the Groton Middle School, Big Lux Violin, Fitch High School and more.

“We really like being able to open our doors and see people come and enjoy what are kids are capable of artistically,” said Chaney.