Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Currently on display in the fall semester student art show at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum (AYAM) in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is a remarkably uplifting watercolor by Simone A., a sixth grader at Spring Oaks Middle School (SOMS).

Her artwork, titled Great Thoughts, features the artist’s self-portrait inside an ivy-styled frame surrounded by positive affirmations such as “I believe in my goals and dreams.”

“The assignment that led to Simone’s artwork is called the Affirmation Project,” said Brenna Rogers, art teacher at SOMS. “I like to start the school year with this project for my sixth graders because it helps them look ahead and feel confident in themselves and their transition into middle school. It’s also a great gauge for me to see where students are artistically in terms of creativity and technical skill.”

Above and Beyond

Rogers selected Simone’s Great Thoughts to represent the school’s art program in the AYAM exhibit because of the young artist’s advanced skill and creativity.

“I felt she went above and beyond,” said Rogers. “She was the only student out of more than 100 to have the idea to draw a self-portrait, and she really succeeded.”

Simone said her goal was to make the image look like she was looking in a mirror and saying the positive affirmations to herself.

“I liked how this assignment allowed me to express myself and my feelings,” said Simone. “The hardest part of the artwork was working on the self-portrait.”

She began by sketching a vine-inspired frame and an outline of herself, then added watercolor to her design. She used marker to write the heading “I Matter” and the subheading “Good things are coming to me.” Along the sides of her self-portrait are 13 additional affirmations she wrote to herself, including “I am an amazing person” and “I am in charge of my life.”

“The words will shape my future in a positive and encouraging way,” said Simone.

Proud of Simone’s Hard Work

When Simone learned that her artwork had been chosen for the AYAM show, she was thrilled. Rogers shared the news with Simone’s parents during SOMS’s Meet the Teacher Night.

“They were very proud of Simone’s hard work,” said Rogers.

Her teacher is equally proud. “What I appreciate most about Simone is the care she puts into her artwork,” Rogers said. “She uses every minute of class and puts effort into the entire page. I know she will grow so much throughout the year, and I’m really looking forward to seeing her future creations.”

Excited and Thankful

Simone’s Great Thoughts serves as inspiration not only to herself, but to all who visit the exhibition.

“It makes me really excited and thankful to know my art is displayed in a museum,” Simone said.

SBISD Arts Coordinator Lindsay Ripley said experiences like this are what make student showcases meaningful.

“It is so special for students to know their pieces are featured in a real museum,” Ripley said. “The exhibition piece of the artistic process is such a fulfilling experience, and it gives students confidence to have their artwork displayed in such a professional way.”

Be Inspired by More Amazing Art

SBISD is the only public school district in Texas, and one of only a few in the nation, with its own in-district art museum. Families from across the community have visited AYAM this semester to celebrate their students’ achievements and view the fall student art exhibition.

Located on the north side of the Westchester Academy for International Studies campus, artwork from nine SBISD schools is featured in Gallery 1 through Dec. 12.

The public is invited to visit AYAM to see the student artwork and artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection on school days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., when field trips are not in session. Please call (713) 251-1990 to confirm availability and arrange a visit.

Thank you, Simone A., for sharing your positivity through this inspiring work of art. One of your affirmations reads, “I am proud of myself.” We are proud of you.

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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