NBT Bank’s latest Wall of Art features pieces created by Sherburne high school student, Sierra Uhlig. She has 10 ten pieces on show, created using a pencil. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — NBT Bank’s latest Wall of Art installation at NBT headquarters in downtown Norwich features artwork created by local high school student Sierra Uhlig.

When Sierra isn’t doing homework for her classes at Sherburne Central School, she is busy bringing plain pieces of paper to life.

“Since childhood I’ve always created art,” said Sierra. “Whether it was drawing or if it was photography, I have always loved creating. I’ve always used the beauty of nature and friends around me to create works of art.”

Her best friend Emma Schrader has been her main inspiration for her artwork. Emma is featured holding her cousin in the first drawing Sierra has on display.

Sierra has ten pieces featured at NBT Bank that she created using a pencil. She explained that patience is key as it takes her several hours to bring her ideas to fruition. Sierra says she has a good group of people who have supported her along the way. “My art teachers, Ms. Olive and Ms. Czachowksi, inspire me, encourage me and give me tips and helpful suggestions.” Sierra also says her mom is her biggest cheerleader and is always encouraging her to pursue art.

“It's amazing to see such a talented artist get their start in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Gallery,” said Alecia O’Neill, Executive Director of the Chenango Arts Council. “Sierra’s work was a stunning part of our 2023 CASA Student Show and was awarded in Colorscape’s Student Art Show, also in our gallery. We are thrilled to also be able to expand viewing with NBT’s Wall of Art.”

Sierra’s artwork will be on display until the end of November.

The mission of the Chenango Arts Council is to connect the arts to our communities to enrich quality of life. Art is one of the most powerful and useful tools for communicating, expressing, as well as connecting other people to one another or to a central message that seeks to be expressed. Chenango Arts Council strives to help those who seek venues to perform, spaces to exhibit, room to create, and people to share the passion of the Fine Arts.

NBT Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth management services from locations in seven states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. The bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc., are headquartered in Norwich, NY. NBT Bancorp had assets of $11.89 billion as of June 30, 2023 and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB. More information about NBT is available online at www.nbtbank.com. Member FDIC.