Category Archives: Fine arts

Designs for Westbury HS fine arts wing take shape

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As work on the initial scope of Westbury High School’s bond construction is wrapping up, Project Advisory Team members met recently for the first look at design plans for another new addition.

The new $6.2 million fine arts wing, which is funded through surplus 2012 Bond Program funds, will be built on the north side of the campus on the site of the school’s old gymnasium and dining hall, which are in the process of being demolished.

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HSPVA senior’s experience as a fine arts student has left indelible mark

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It’s a bittersweet last first day of school for Kinder HSPVA senior Jorge Cordova. On one hand, he is excited to see his friends after summer break, but on the other, this will be their last year together. As a theater student who plans to be an actor, Cordova is thankful for his experience at the arts magnet high school.

“HSPVA has made a huge impact on my life,” Cordova said. “It has already opened doors for me both inside and outside of school. My teachers have always encouraged us to dream big, and I am already living my dream.”

It’s been just Cordova and his mom since he was 3 years old. “My mom is from Tampico, Mexico, and I was born here in Houston. She has been both mother and father to me, and she has done an amazing job. She has been by my side through some tough times, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.” Cordova’s mother, Alex Barron, has her own small housecleaning service.  Continue reading →

Pre-K and K summer fine arts camp

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A summer afternoon at Bastian Elementary School revealed a wonderful exhibition of paintings and other works of art, as well as a musical performance of songs by Pre-K and Kindergarten students who were wrapping up a four-week summer fine arts camp. The camp, which was based around the four themes of community, transportation, healthy eating, and friendship/fairness, was in response to an initiative from Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan to include the fine arts in summer school.

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Brookline ES unveils new student-created mural 

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Brookline Elementary School students have been working throughout the spring on an art mural that adjoins their campus. Artist Krista Birnbaum designed the mural for a 2,800-square-foot wall that borders the campus and is visible from the school. Young Brookline artists worked on the mural with Birnbaum during recess and on Saturday mornings.

The mural was dedicated on Monday, July 2, in a ceremony attended by HISD Trustee Sergio Lira, State Rep. Carol Alvarado, and Project Coordinator Theodore Wills, who is in charge of Brookline’s library, business partnerships, and community outreach and development.  Continue reading →

HSPVA and HSLJ graduating seniors get glimpse of new facilities

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It was a bittersweet moment for seniors from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) and High School for Law and Justice (HSLJ) as they recently got a sneak peek inside their schools’ newly constructed buildings.

HSLJ students held a senior awards breakfast in their new building, while HSPVA students were treated to a barbeque lunch during their visit. Both groups posed for a special class photo to commemorate the occasion.

“We really wanted them to see the new building before they moved on,” HSLJ Principal Carol Mosteit said. “The students were amazed when they walked in. Their faces were priceless.”

As part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, both schools are receiving new buildings, which will be completed later this year. HSLJ will open to students in August, and HSPVA will open to students in January 2019. Continue reading →

Furr HS dedicates new building

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A sea of red flooded the main entrance of Furr High School on Friday morning as the cheerleaders, Sparkle Dancers — dressed in red and white uniforms — and band pepped up the crowd in celebration of the school’s building dedication ceremony.

Music and chants echoed through the air, and lush trees and landscaping lined the length of the brightly colored 182,000-square-foot-building, offering an ornate backdrop to a long red ribbon stretched across the building’s main walkway.

“Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a high school that empowers students to tackle environmental injustice and becomes the central green hub of their community,” said Furr Interim Principal Rosa Hernandez to attendees. “Imagine spaces filled with student voices, trust, school spirit, and a flexible learning environment.” She pointed to the new building, saying “That’s what we have here.”

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Visual Arts Spring Showcase to feature variety of HISD student artwork 

The eighth annual Visual Arts Spring Showcase – the the largest display of student artwork ever exhibited at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center – will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, at Hattie Mae White (4400 W. 18th St. 77092) with an evening reception for students, their families, and guests.

HISD art teachers are using this opportunity to showcase the amazing range of art created by their students. Paintings, sculpture, collage, photographs and more by students in grades pre-K through 12 are currently on display on all three floors of HMW through May 18. Continue reading →

High school string quartet to join touring Beatles vs. Stones show at Hobby Center

When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Hobby Center on May 20, the Houston Bellaire High School String Quartet will have the privilege of joining the professional musicians on stage to add some orchestral texture to the evening. The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The Bellaire string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands.

There is one show only, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, in Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $44-$64, but HISD friends and family members can receive a 20% discount with the promo code “Fab4.” The code will be accepted over the phone, online, and at walk up. Tickets may be purchased by calling 713.315.2525, at the Box Office, or online at www.thehobbycenter.org. The 500 seats will likely sell out in advance of the show, which is appropriate for all ages.

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Student World AIDS Day art posters on display

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The colorful banners hanging on the fence between the HISD baseball field and the Hattie Mae White Education Support Centers are eye-catching works of art by district middle-school children. They were put on display recently after being displayed at the City of Houston’s Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center in December to honor World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

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HISD art cars win five trophies in Art Car Parade 

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Five of HISD’s 21 entries in the 31st annual Houston Art Car Parade caught the judges’ attention, winning trophies and even some cash.

It was easily the best year yet for HISD students and their art cars.

In the category of Best Youth Entry, Frank Black Middle School with Luz Martinez and Julon Pinkston took second place with the Panthermobile. Pinkston accepted the award at the Art Car Awards Ceremony at Smither Park.

The Art Car Parade judges like to give out numerous awards, so there are winners in multiple categories, including four first-place winners, four second-place winners, and four third-place winners. HISD art cars won in each of the three categories.  Continue reading →