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History The Art Guild of Fayetteville, Texas was organized in August 2003. This founding group of artists, musicians and art lovers believed that students in the Fayette County area needed to have performing art experiences (ballet, opera, symphony, theatre) similar to those found in large cities. Jeanette Brown, founder and visionary leader, first approached the superintendent of the Fayetteville School District to confirm that area schools needed additional support for art programs. Travel time and expense prohibited the schools from transporting students to the larger and more distant cities for these events. Jeanette Brown and fellow founder, Judge Terry Ross, developed two primary programs. Plans were made to bring Fine Art Assemblies from Houston and other cities to the rural area at no cost to the schools or the students. These assemblies were funded mostly by membership funds (30 original members) and some local sponsorship. The first school year all Fine Art Assemblies included Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go” and Houston Symphony string trio. These performances were held in Fayetteville with invitations issued to nearby school districts. After re-evaluating the program, it was decided to take these assemblies directly to as many rural schools as possible. This plan has been received very well by seven school districts and two private schools. Administrators, staff and parents are excited about the Fine Art Assemblies because they bring experiences to the students that they otherwise might never encounter during their school years. Other Art Guild programs are Art After School, Summer Art Camp, Gallery Exhibits, Gallery Concerts and Art Library. The other primary program created was the Art After School classes which are held twice a week in Fayetteville and are also free to the students and schools. This past school year one class a week was offered in Round Top. Approximately 20% of the students attend these classes. In June 2005 a generous member offered funds to purchase a building. This newer and larger facility has enabled the Art Guild to expand student programs, to offer concerts and to provide an Art Gallery for the adult community. During the School Year 2006-2007 the Art Guild provided fine art assemblies to over 12,000 students in 7 districts. The Art Guild of Fayetteville, Texas is operating under the assumed name of Art Guild of Rural Texas to better identify the focus of it’s programs. |
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ART GUILD of Rural
Texas
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