What started as a simple arts market back in 2012 at Northbrook Middle has turned into a tradition for neighbors and area art enthusiasts. And like most traditions, it’s evolving.
The market, always a winning outing for those looking to kickoff holiday shopping with a unique purchase, will bring together the works and wares of 40 professional artists and area vendors, along with opening the doors to showcase up-and-coming student artists in the school district.
“I see this event and the outcome of the collaboration between students and artists as the next step we need to push in the visual arts departments within the district,” said SBISD Coordinator of Performing and Fine Arts Sally Doyle.
Wilchester’s Holiday In the Park Arts Market
Saturday, Oct. 28
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
13618 St. Mary’s Lane
Houston 77079
Hosted by Wilchester Elementary and SBISD Art Educator Stephanie Walton
Along with the professional artists, students from Memorial Middle, Spring Woods High, Westchester Academy and Spring Forest Middle will present and sell artwork and wares, including gemstone jewelry, homemade honey, bath products and face painting. Walton’s reasoning behind the inclusion of student artists is simple.
“It’s important for students to realize that they ARE creative and that even though they are students, they CAN make a difference and people will seek them out for their ingenuity and drive,” said Walton.
“(The event) Saturday and similar events allow students to display their skills and talents,” said Doyle. “It gives them a taste of the art world in our district, in the Houston area and beyond. I can think of no better learning experience and environment, than to work long side other artists. How excited I am for the students participating in this new approach to learning, sharing and collaboration.”
Something else that’s different this year is the inclusion of student street artists. Students will work onsite with Rebekah Tee, SBISD art educator and recognized chalk artist, to produce a live art experience at the event. Walton’s partnership with Tee also promises to provide a channel for students to grow as they progress from middle to high school.
“My goal this year includes finding ways to grow and align what I am doing as an art educator,” said Tee.
“Mentoring is important for high school students. It helps to reinforce their understanding and concept about the process of making art,” said Tee. “Middle school students can feel confident about entering high school and less anxious if they're working with or know those students ahead of them. They have someone looking out for them and providing leadership.”
Both teachers are big into Public Works of Temporary Art. Walton hosts the annual Teen Sandcastle competition, and her campus art car is a winner at the Houston Art Car Parade.
Walton aims to instill in her students the idea that they can create art, even if it lasts for mere hours or days and those who see it – and possibly capture it on camera or in their minds – will remember the experience as well as the art.
Tee is an award-winning chalk artist and participates in numerous Chalk events throughout Houston, including the city’s annual Via Colori, the state of Texas, and she is expanding nationally.
“We hope, after seeing what works this year at the market, to create this as an annual event where more students and teachers can participate in creating large-scale artworks in a short amount of time for others to publically enjoy,” said Walton.
Tee has also secured an amazing Texas chalk artist in high demand, Carol Wells, who will be a featured artist. Wells will work with former Wilchester student and now Spring Forest Middle art student Holly Horton as her apprentice.
“We know there ARE working artists out there, other than their teachers, who are willing to help students grown both mentally and artistically even at a young age,” said Walton. “We can’t wait to see how that cooperation comes into play at the market and in chalk that day!”
Along with the experience of creating great art, working with art professionals and having an opportunity to sell their work, student artists are learning math, grid drawing, proportion and art skills while creating art for the public to enjoy.
“I love that Ms. Tee is willing to jump at an opportunity to showcase her students, make connections between the schools, and takes every effort to ensure that they are learning and growing no matter what the situation or event,” said Walton.
Walton plans on partnering with other SBISD art educators in the coming months. She already has Rebecca Mustachio and Spring Forest Middle School lined up in March for an art showcase of student artwork and hopes to include high school artists from across the district and HCC in the future.
Tee is also busy working with her students to prepare for the upcoming downtown chalk art festival, Via Colori, an annual celebration of art from around the world hosted by the Center for Hearing and Speech.
SBISD will be represented by some talented student artists and Spring Woods High senior Raul Gomez’s winning design. Gomez’s design, a whimsical Volkswagen mini-bus, was recently selected to represent the school district.
Be sure to shop the market this weekend and plan to join student artists and SBISD art educators as they continue their work into the spring art season, including the upcoming Via Colori event and Houston’s annual Art Car Parade.
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