Category Archives: Art

Arts Access Initiative grows to include more HISD schools 

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Last year, the number of schools receiving creative learning experiences through the Arts Access Initiative grew to 25 from 11 the previous year. That number has now grown to 44 schools.

AAI representatives from nearly all of the participating schools came together in June for a Meet and Greet, where they learned more about the opportunities available to them through some 40 partner arts organizations. The group was welcomed by AAI Director Deborah Lugo. Remarks were made by HISD’s new fine arts director, Wenden Sanders.  Continue reading →

Art cars created by HISD students win multiple awards

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Heights High School and Rebecca Bass’s tribute to Prince, “Purple Reign,” took home the top prize at the 2017 Art Car Parade, winning the Mayor’s Cup Grand Trophy and $2,000.

It was one of several big HISD winners at this year’s 30th anniversary of the popular parade, which was held Saturday, April 8 in downtown.

“The Chronicles of Northside” by Northside High School, with Ann Bass, won a trophy and third place. The car was covered in yearbook photos to celebrate the school’s 90th anniversary. Continue reading →

Student-created art cars ready to ride in legendary Houston parade 

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It’s the 30th anniversary of the popular Art Car Parade, and as usual, many HISD students will be riding in art cars they have been working on for weeks, if not months.

Nearly 250 cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creations will roll through downtown Houston beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. Generally, the parade lasts about two hours. For those who want to get jump on the parade, join the “Starting Line Party” presented by Arts Brookfield at 11 a.m. at the corner of Smith and Pease streets. For the parade route and complete details, see Houston Art Car Parade.

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HISD Police Department hosting third annual art contest

Grab your markers, crayons, and No. 2 pencils, because registration is now open for the HISD Police Department’s third annual art contest in honor of Police Appreciation Week.

Aspiring artists in the fifth grade are free to use any type of material to showcase their inner Picasso in this year’s contest. Artwork can be submitted by individual HISD students or on behalf of an entire HISD classroom.

Designed to recognize Police Appreciation Week, which kicks off on May 15, the contest aims to help students visualize the work performed by police officers and, perhaps, go on to choose a career in law enforcement.

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HISD announces director of new K-12 Fine Arts Department

Wenden Sanders

Wenden Sanders has been appointed director of HISD’s new K–12 Fine Arts Department.

Sanders, who is currently serving as principal of Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, was selected by a committee of teachers, principals, and district administrators. He will provide leadership, support, and direction to ensure that all HISD students have access to a high-quality fine arts education.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the fine arts to all students in HISD,” Sanders said. “I look forward to working with the Arts Access Initiative, principals, school officers, and community leaders to ensure that we are educating the whole child.”

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Student Spotlight: Girls Art Squad creates amazing art project

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“The Breakout” is an enchanted fairy-tale art project, complete with animal sculptures created by a group of J.P. Henderson fifth-graders who call themselves the “Girls Art Squad.” They initiated the project on their own and completed it in their Culture Core class this past semester.

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Arts Access Initiative expanding to 25 HISD schools next year 

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The word is out about the benefits of the Arts Access Initiative for students. This school year, the organization has been working with 11 schools in HISD. Out of more than 40 HISD schools that applied to join AAI in the coming 2016–2017 school year, only 14 were selected. The new HISD elementary and middle schools are: Continue reading →

Five HISD student-created cars win prizes at the Art Car Parade

Five HISD schools won prizes in Saturday’s 29th annual Art Car Parade in downtown Houston, with district-created student art cars snagging two of the four “first-place” winning categories in overall competition.

The Reagan High School Art Car Club, led by teacher Rebecca Bass, won first place with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the Lovett Elementary Visual Arts Program, with  teacher Rickey Polidore Jr., won first place with “ ‘OWL’ways in the ARTISTIC FRAME of Mind.” Both schools received a grand trophy and $1,500.

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Student creativity to be on mobile display at Art Car Parade April 9

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The Orange Show’s 29th annual Art Car Parade will be rolling through downtown Houston on Saturday, April 9, and almost a dozen of the mobile artworks on display will be the work of HISD students.

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