September 30, 2023

Good morning Visual Arts parents, students and supporters!

In this newsletter:

• Upcoming volunteer opportunities
• Portfolio Day
• Senior Showcase
• Student opportunities
• October guild meeting
• Around BTW
• Save the date!

The Visual Arts Guild is proud to host the Young American Talent juried art competition for North Texas students. Although the competition doesn't happen until the spring, our volunteers are gearing up to promote the event. We need lots of volunteers for Young American Talent and there are a wide variety of opportunities - work from home, volunteer on campus, deliver posters and invitations, hang artwork, volunteer at the reception. If you are interested in helping in any way, please email btwvisualarts@gmail.com. We'll need volunteers as soon as October to help distribute posters and invitations to participating schools.

Portfolio Day is Monday, October 2. We are expecting 14 schools on campus to review portfolios and discuss post-BTW plans with our students. Check out the sign up and let us know if you can donate time, food or resources.

Senior Showcase is Thursday and Friday, November 16-17. There are many ways to volunteer to support this important and fun event. Look for a sign up soon or email btwvisualarts@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out.

National Portfolio Day: The local Portfolio Day event is this Sunday, October 1 at SMU. It's not too late to register for this chance to meet with counselors, admissions and faculty from accredited art and design schools for free portfolio review.

PTA Reflections: The National PTA Reflections program opens October 15. The theme is "I Am Hopeful Because ..." Students can submit work in any or all of these categories: dance choreography, film production, Literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. Students do not need to create a new piece of art. Look through your portfolio and find something that fits the theme. We had several regional winners and a national winner last year.

Visual Arts Winter Market: Shop the Visual Arts Winter Market from 12:45-1:40 p.m. on December 13-15. Vendors will be on the Zero Floor or Green Room (weather permitting) to sell handmade goods. This is a great opportunity for student vendors to create gifts for the holiday season and make some cash to do some shopping of your own! We will have a raffle, Winter Market specific VA merch and so much more. To participate students need to complete an application by November 10.

Our next guild meeting is Tuesday, October 10 following the PTSA meeting at 6 p.m. 

The PTSA is sponsoring the next Coffee Talk on Wednesday, October 4. Meet in the MAT lobby at 7:45 a.m. for coffee and pastries. The program will begin at 8 a.m. RSVP by Monday, October 2 so the committee can plan refreshments.

The BTW Advisory Board is hosting Booker T Live on Friday, October 20. The event will feature current students, legendary alums, food, beverages, merch tents and Booker T crafts artisans. Get more info and tickets on the ATTPAC website.

In case you didn't know, our amazing custodian Mr. Bell was involved in a hit and run accident that totaled his car. He's been taking the bus to and from the school. The school is collecting funds to help him purchase a car. If you care to donate you can leave cash donations with faculty member Heather Benedetto in room 104. You can also contribute via Zelle (469-978-7601) or Venmo (@madamebene) by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 2.

Lastly, don't forget there is no school on Thursday, October 12, Friday, October 13 and Monday, October 16.

You will want to mark your calendar for Thursday, January 18 for an exciting Visual Arts event. The inaugural 5x7 Art Sale will feature artwork created by Booker T students, faculty and artists in our community. 

If you are interested in helping out, please email btwvisualarts@gmail.com. If you or someone you know would be interested in underwriting or sponsoring the event, please let us know. 

Look for more details soon but put Thursday, January 18 on your calendar today!

Visual Arts Guild at BTWHSPVA

2501 Flora St.

Dallas TX 75201