Things being what they are–and I’m certainly not blaming No Child Left Behind–my son’s elementary school can’t afford an art teacher. So every year, we put on a juried art festival to raise money to pay for that teacher. If you live near White Rock and are looking for something to do this weekend, drop by Hexter Elementary on Saturday or Sunday to check out the art market.
The big fun, though, happens on Friday. That’s when the silent auction and preview party goes down. Winfrey Point at White Rock. Semi-formal, with catered dinner. Guided telescope stargazing. Live music by One Car Carage (a really good cover band composed of school dads and for which yrs trly has been known to play cow bell after a couple of beers). All for $25 per person.
More details:
DISD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BEATS BUDGET HURDLES
WITH 4th ANNUAL JURIED ART FESTIVALDALLAS — White Rock Lake-area DISD school, Hexter Elementary, relentlessly prevents district budget cuts from eliminating fine arts from its curriculum. Its PTA members sustain art education at Hexter annually with monies raised from the White Rock Art Festival, its fourth annual to be held November 11-13. Without this event, fine arts education would not exist at Hexter.
Each year, event proceeds entirely pay the salary of Hexter’s art teacher and provide art and music supplies and instrument repairs for the students. Last year’s event was so successful that the PTA was able to reinstate an after-school drama program, as well as contribute to choir supplies and other art-related needs.
Jolee Healey, Hexter’s new principal, backs the White Rock Art Festival mission. “Our goal for the school is to return to our recognized status, which we are well within reach of doing. But a big part of that is providing a diversified curriculum — fine art included. The parents of this community demand at least that much for their children. This festival is the key to achieving that goal.”
The weekend-long affair includes a silent auction and preview party followed by a two-day juried art show inside the school. Both events feature gallery-quality, hand-made, one-of-a-kind works, in a wide variety media, by renowned area artists who were selected by a panel of art professionals and collectors. Both events also feature the works of their beneficiaries: Hexter art students.
4th Annual White Rock Art Festival’s Silent Auction/Preview Party:
– “Starry, Starry Night” — A semi-formal catered reception even Van Gogh would be proud of.
– Friday, November 11, 6:30 p.m., Winfrey Lake at White Rock Lake.
– General admission is $25/person. RSVPs recommended at 214-550-2531.
– Live music and dancing by One Car Garage.
– Meet and mingle with featured artists.
– Guided telescope stargazing from open verandas provided by Texas Astronomical Society.
– Over $15,000 worth of art, merchandise and services will be auctioned.
– Cash, check, Master Card and Visa accepted.
– All proceeds benefit Hexter Elementary through Hexter Elementary PTA, a charitable organization.4th Annual White Rock Art Festival’s Art Market
– Saturday, November 12 (10 a.m. — 5 p.m.) and Sunday, November 13 (noon — 5 p.m.) at Hexter Elementary (9720 Waterview Road, Dallas, TX 75218 near Peavy and Buckner).
– Admission (payable in cash, credit or check) – $4 for ages 12 and up. Free for those 11 and under. Two-day passes available for $6.
– Over 60 artists displaying and selling work across a variety of media, including: oil paintings, pastels, metalwork, glasswork, watercolors, high-end jewelry, textiles, ceramics and more. Also available will be gift collections including bags, cards, apothecary and gourmet food items.
– The artists represent all art. Art purchase payment types vary by artist. Prices range from $15 to $3,500, with the majority of items costing less than $100.
– “Create your own Van Gogh” kids activity table
– Student artists will be exhibiting and selling their work.
РOn-site caf̩.Key event sponsor includes Benefit Seminars Plus.
Visit www.whiterockartfestival.org for event directions, information, previewing exhibiting artists’ work and more. Or call 214-550-2531.
