GOLDSBORO — Artwork created by Wayne Community College students will be on display at this year’s NC Freedom Fest to honor those who serve the community and nation.

Through WCC’s Art of Giving initiative, students in the College’s drawing, painting, and design studio classes choose a nonprofit organization to donate gifts of time, money, or supplies to each year. In previous years, students have drawn artwork for the NC Troopers Association Caisson Unit trailer, picked up trash along a walking trail, and walked dogs at an animal shelter.

This year, eight art students are contributing their pieces to be displayed at NC Freedom Fest, an event held in Goldsboro to celebrate military personnel and first responders. “We had several artists in the class who drew what freedom means to them,” WCC Art Instructor Angie Waller explained.

Students drew and painted portraits of family members who are serving in the military, pictures of jets, and gear representing their loved ones who are in the fire service.

“I didn’t make it a required assignment, but the class was definitely on board,” Waller said. “What we really wanted to do was elevate what the military and our fire and rescue services mean to us.”

Prior to NC Freedom Fest, the artwork can be viewed throughout July and August at Wayne County Public Library locations, with four pieces displayed at Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive and four showcased at Northern Wayne Library in Fremont.

NC Freedom Fest will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, in downtown Goldsboro.