Students Display Talent, Creativity at First Annual Expressions: Art of Afterschool Exhibit

Pasadena ISD ACE Afterschool Displays Talent, Creativity at First Annual Expressions: Art of Afterschool Exhibit
Posted on 05/13/2014
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Visionary artistic expression is alive and thriving in Pasadena ISD schools as was showcased at the district’s first annual Expressions: Art of Afterschool event.

Hosted by the Pasadena ISD ACE Afterschool Programs, the art gallery attracted over 300 families, board members, administrators, staff and students of all grade levels who packed into the Frank Braden Educational Center in the Carmen Orozco Professional Development Complex to view the creative masterpieces.

Hundreds of mixed-media artwork including self-portraits, still life paintings, photography, watercolor paintings, stained glass, pottery, needlework, videos and origami were on display.

Steve Villano, ACE project director, said the event not only provided students an opportunity to express their creative talents but also demonstrated how valuable afterschool programs can be in helping to engage students in artistic and cultural activities.

"This art gallery touched the lives of all our students," Villano said. "You could see the look of pride on their faces when they saw their work on display. There's so much happening after school academically, socially and emotionally that is engaging students into the educational process."

Nearly all campuses participating in ACE afterschool programs showcased artwork at the Expressions: The Art of Afterschool event.

"We want to thank all attendees for being supportive of our students including our Board of Trustees, Dr. Lewis, school administrators and parents," said Villano. "We also want to thank the ACE staff because this would not have been possible without your hard work and dedication."

The ACE program strives to provide students with an enriching educational experience that exposes students to interactive, recreational and cultural activities so they can integrate that learning into their daily lives.

Pasadena ISD ACE students have access to tutorials, homework help, and innovative, interactive lessons that apply and reinforce what they have learned in the classroom. The ACE program offers students a wide variety of enrichment classes including art, music, sports, technology, character building, health and wellness, dance, culinary skills, community/service learning, and many more.

For more information about the Pasadena ISD ACE Afterschool Program, click here.

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