The Gene and Jerry Jones family recently hosted a reception at AT&T Stadium for more than 200 student ambassadors representing the 2015-16 class of fifth grade students of the Arlington Independent School District and their parents.
Over the course of the school year, more than 4,000 Arlington fifth grade students enjoyed a docent-guided tour with their class of the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection at AT&T Stadium, courtesy of the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation. Upon completion of their field trip, each school collaboratively created a work of art inspired by the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection, which consists of 59 works of art, 16 of which commissioned, representing 43 artists from around the world.
"Through the art tours, our students were able to see the world through a different lens, A lens filled with lines, color, shape, beauty and aesthetics. A lens that many of our students would never have experienced, but now will be forever embedded in their lives," said Linh Nguyen, AISD Visual Arts Curriculum Coordinator. "It was an opportunity for our students to gain experiential learning outside of the classroom and be able to see the artwork in real life. An "a-ha" moment for many of them that the world is their classroom! One of the best experiences for our students!"
The AISD Fifth Grade Art Program is set to continue in the 2016-17 school year, to become a tradition and something of a rite of passage for students before they enter junior high. The goal of the program is to instill an appreciation for art in students at a pivotal grade level, encouraging them to continue pursuit of art education beyond their elementary school requirements.
"We are absolutely delighted to have completed the inaugural year of what we hope will become a great legacy program for Arlington fifth graders for many years to come," said Gene Jones. "What these students are learning is that art can be the key to unlocking a door that leads to new opportunities and experiences that can change their lives forever."
Click here to watch a video about the students" art display.
AT&T Stadium
Arlington ISD, Education, News