Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Each fall, second graders in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) visit the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum (AYAM) to view a collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The field trips introduce students to different cultures and customs, as well as a variety of artistic techniques.

Sculptures, weavings, paintings and carvings are among the works represented in the museum’s permanent exhibits.

Curators use colorful maps to help students understand where in the world each piece was created, teaching geography alongside art appreciation.

In Gallery 1 at AYAM, temporary exhibits of visiting or student art are displayed throughout the year. This fall, art teachers from nine SBISD schools selected standout student pieces from early semester assignments to be featured in the gallery.

Interpreting fall images

A fall-themed piece by second grader Rodrigo M. from Westwood Elementary was among those selected for the AYAM fall show by art teacher Genesis Godinez. The title of his artwork is Leaf of Whimsy.

Before beginning the project, Godinez’s students discussed the four seasons and how weather changes as fall approaches, connecting art to science concepts.

For the assignment, students were encouraged to draw large leaves that filled most of the paper. “I encouraged students to draw their leaf very large, taking up most of the space on the paper,” Godinez said. Students then added motifs inside the leaf sections and painted them in.

“What I like about my artwork is the different designs and the colors,” Rodrigo said. “Painting my artwork was a little hard because my hand would get tired since we used big paper.”

Through the process, Rodrigo learned how colors can complement one another to create visual harmony.

“Rodrigo carefully drew his design within the lines and showed the same precision in his painting,” Gonzalez said. “His craftsmanship is unique for someone in second grade.”

A moment of recognition

Having artwork displayed in a museum builds confidence and recognizes artistic excellence, an especially meaningful honor at such a young age. 

When Westwood’s second graders toured AYAM recently, one of the accompanying teachers excitedly pointed out Rodrigo’s artwork.

“The students called Rodrigo over, and he was able to take a picture with his artwork displayed,” Godinez said. “He seemed very proud of his work.”

“My classmates were really impressed with my artwork,” Rodrigo said, recalling the field trip. “I felt proud when I saw my artwork displayed.”

Public invited to view the show

The fall student art show will be on display at AYAM through Dec. 12. Families of the student artists have been invited to attend, and the public is also welcome to view the exhibit. To schedule a visit, please call 713-251-1990.

About Spring Branch ISD Performing and Visual Arts

Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is a five-time Texas Art Education Association District of Distinction, recognized for exceptional support of student artists and arts education. From elementary through high school, SBISD students create, perform, and exhibit across a full spectrum of visual and performing arts programs that inspire creativity, confidence, and connection.

The district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year is an art educator, underscoring SBISD’s belief that the arts are essential to inspiring minds and shaping lives. Each year, SBISD hosts signature events such as Art Signing Day for seniors pursuing the arts in college, a robust districtwide fine arts and performance calendar, and competitive theater productions and box office performances that draw audiences from across the region.

With a legacy of excellence and opportunity, SBISD stands as a destination for the arts where student talent, passionate educators, and community pride come together to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

#SBISDProud