Category Archives: Fine arts

Parker ES construction passes halfway mark

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Construction at Parker Elementary School is now more than halfway complete with exterior framing and roofing well underway on the east side of the building.

“I’ve been doing a monthly walk-through in the building, so I’m seeing the progress each time I go,” Parker Principal Lori Frodine said. “I feel good it’s moving along. I’m happy that they’re starting to accelerate the work.”

The construction crew is working diligently at the site to make up some time lost due to previous weather delays. Currently, they are installing the HVAC systems on the first floor along with the chilled water pipes. Installation of the sprinkler system is also in progress.

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‘Feast of Art’ offers variety of fine arts performances 

Schools in the Chavez High School feeder pattern hosted a fine arts showcase, “A Feast of Art,” on Saturday, May 20 at Chavez High School to celebrate artistic successes achieved by students in District III during the 2016-2017 school year.

The fine arts showcase, part of a larger effort to increase arts access in the area, featured visual artwork created by students from Bellfort Early Childhood Center; Bonner, Lewis, Patterson, Park Place, and Rucker elementary schools; Ortiz and Stevenson middle schools; and Chavez High School.    Continue reading →

HISD Police announce art contest winners

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The Houston Independent School District Police Department has announced the winners of the third annual Police Appreciation Week art contest.

Fifth-grade artists were encouraged to showcase their talents with the department’s K-9 unit as the theme. Participants also explored other themes, including the importance of law enforcement and the different types of police officers.

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‘Feast of Art’ to showcase effort to boost fine arts in District III 

Schools in the Chavez High School feeder pattern will host the first fine arts showcase, “A Feast of Art,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at Chavez High School (8501 Howard, Houston, 77017) as part of a larger effort to increase arts access in the area.

The fine arts showcase will feature visual artwork created by students from the following schools: Bellfort Early Childhood Center; Bonner, Lewis, Patterson, Park Place, and Rucker elementary schools; Ortiz and Stevenson middle schools; and Chavez High School.   Continue reading →

TUTS collaborates on student production of ‘The Lion King’

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Thanks to its partnership with the Arts Access Initiative, Lyons Elementary School was able to reach out to Theatre Under the Stars to loan them a director and choreographer to help with their production of “The Lion King” on April 20. And because it takes place two days before Earth Day, April 22, they decided to use only recycled materials for the stage set and actors’ masks. Consequently, nearly every student at Lyons is involved in some way in the production — and lessons in nearly every school subject area were applied to make the play come together.

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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 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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Power of Public: Giving every child the ‘Chance to Dance’

Ivan Gonzalez is dressed as his character for the 2016 production of “The Nutcracker” at the Wortham Center, performed by the Houston Ballet.

Editor’s Note: February 27 through March 3 is Texas Public Schools Week, and we are celebrating by sharing personal stories throughout HISD on how public education is helping students succeed. Tweet at us @HoustonISD and share how public education is positive force in you or your student’s life, using the hashtag #PowerofPublic.

“Don’t be nervous, Ivan. Just do your best.”

Ivan Gonzalez was about to perform in Houston Ballet’s 2016 production of “The Nutcracker” at the Wortham Center, and his father was there to calm his nerves.

The “Nutcracker” was not Ivan’s first stage production. In May 2015, the Wainwright Elementary student was selected to participate in Houston Ballet’s “Chance to Dance” program, a series of free ballet classes for first- and second-graders at schools that don’t have a dance program and where 75% or more of the students are economically disadvantaged.

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