A formal opening reception for the traveling exhibition “In The Bag: The Art & Politics Of The Reusable Bag Movement” was celebrated on September 8 at Newtown Municipal Center. The traveling exhibition will remain on view weekdays through September 28.

The exhibition is set up in the grand corridor of the town building at 3 Primrose Street, and people nearly packed the hallway during the opening reception to view the works of art on display.

Westport residents Liz Milwe and Peter Wormser created the exhibition ten years ago, and they were present for the opening reception. Ms Milwe and Mr Wormser each shared remarks at the event, speaking to the “life” of the exhibition and how it has traveled from town to town.

Newtown Poet Laurate Lisa Schwartz read a poem she wrote to say “farewell” to a plastic bag.

Also at the event, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal announced the winner of a reusable bag design contest as Adriana Russo. Her design, as well as the designs by nine fellow finalists — Nicole Rinei Hawke, Samantha Hoffert, Allison Holden, Penelope Jackson, Kathryn Lynders, Steven Vournazos, Jacob Wallenta, Caleigh Ward, and Eren Weiss — are also on view at the municipal center. Eren and Caleigh were runners up for the contest.

The exhibition is a cooperative effort between Newtown Environmental Action Team (NEAT) and Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

Susan Kassirer, who helped coordinate the presentation of “In The Bag,” said this week that Adriana’s bags will be available at the 2018 Newtown Arts Festival.

“We did sell a heap at the reception,” Ms Kassirer said Tuesday, September 11, but “luckily, we produced quite a few,” she added.

The bags will be available in the Newtown Environmental Action Team tent at the festival, which will be presented at Fairfield Hills on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16. They are available for a suggested $5 donation, with proceeds to benefit NEAT.