As the nation's eleventh largest school district, Dallas Independent School District serves more than 160,000 students who come from homes where 58 different languages are spoken. Operating with a $1 billion dollar budget, DISD employs 18,613 employees including 10,000 teachers in 220 schools.
21 Nov 2000
Artwork of Elementary Students from a Dallas Public School Will Be On Display at City Place From Nov. 25 Through Dec. 30
With flapping origami cranes, gigantic papier-mâché elephant and frog masks and palm trees with yellow, blue and red dangling leaves, Don Lawrence's classroom is a gallery of artful creations.
"This room is a visual feast," Lawrence said about his classroom that challenges the imagination of his students at J. W. Ray Learning Center.
When the elementary students walk into the art teacher's room, Lawrence wants them to look around and never be without ideas. For the past two weeks, the students in the visual arts department have been working on many sketch ideas for an art exhibition at City Place Center East, 2711 North Haskell Avenue. More than 30 student art pieces will be matted, framed and displayed in the building's gallery area on the lower concourse level from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30.
The theme for the art exhibition is Celebrating the Winter Holidays. The assignment to the students was to think of a wonderful winter holiday scene using picture composition and bright pretty colors. Students are submitting a variety of art ranging from their rendition of Santa Clause climbing down the chimney to Frosty the Snowman complete with a carrot noise and buttons for eyes.
For the exhibit, fifth grader Shaquabia Robertson titled her artwork, "Have a Very Beary Christmas." It a drawing of a brown teddy bear with a red bow tie holding a candy cane. Shaquabia is happy about the prospect of having her picture on display at City Place Center.
"It is nice for other people to get to see my masterpiece," the 10 year-old said while smiling at her drawing. "My picture is colorful and solid. It is in the holiday spirit."
J. W. Ray Principal Judith Guilbeaux has noticed the students' excitement about the opportunity to have their artwork viewed in public.
"The art exhibit gives value to the children's art," she said. "It is marvelous for the public to get to see the wonderful art produced by children."
When Tracey Petersen, representing City Place, invited the students to create a holiday exhibit, Lawrence accepted without hesitation. He believes partnerships with the business community give validity to the students efforts.
"This type of public/private venture is greatly needed to show children that their talents really do count," he said. "I encourage private businesses to find a school in their neighborhood and adopt them. Sometimes all they need to provide is a space for children to display their talents. That is a win/win situation and costs nothing."
All the students participating in the art exhibition will receive certificates for their contributions to the show. Before the art show closes, Lawrence plans to take his students on a field trip to see their creations on display. The students will soon begin working on another art show to celebrate "National Youth Art Month" in March.
For more information about the art exhibition at City Place Center East, contact Don Lawrence at (972) 826-5829.