November 11, 2024

Good afternoon Visual Arts Guild! Read on for this week's news and information. If you're short on time, here are the highlights:

Tuesday, November 12: PTSA meets at 6 p.m. in the BTW Commons and the Visual Arts Guild meeting will follow. Location TBA.

November 20: We start setting up on November 20. Seniors meet with college reps and students participate in master classes on November 21-22. The Senior Showcase exhibit will be in the Hudson Gallery, and the opening reception is Thursday, November 21 from 5-7 p.m. 

There are several important student deadlines this week: November 12 (Arts Market application deadline), November 14 (Blue Print Gallery exhibition), November 15 (senior yearbook ads).

College Showcase is November 21-22. We have a few volunteer slots open and need a few more items for our hospitality suite.

• If you're reluctant to volunteer - it's a fun and easy gig. Chat with guests, restock drinks and snacks, serve lunch to seniors, decorate the Fab Lab. Showcase is such a vibrant event - you won't regret it! We need volunteers during Showcase and the reception Thursday, November 21.
• Donate a hospitality item or two. If you want to donate, but can't make it to school, let us know, and we will happily pick up donations.

There are several Showcase events that are free and open to the public. In next week's newsletter, we'll highlight some of the conservatory events anyone can attend. And did you know that the finale of Showcase is a College Fair that is open to all? Students and parents can visit with all participating colleges from 3:30-6 p.m. in the BTW Commons.

Seniors, confirm your Showcase lunches ASAP. The Visual Arts Guild provides lunch to seniors on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22. Students need to complete this form to confirm their lunch and indicate any dietary restrictions. We cannot provide individual meals, but we will have alternatives.

Senior yearbook ads are due Friday, November 15. Also, yearbook prices go from $70 to $75 on November 15. Get your yearbook and create or confirm your ad on the Jostens website.

Students, be sure to check the digital call board for the latest opportunities, contests and workshops. 

This week: 

• November 12 is the deadline to apply for a vendor spot in the Visual Arts Winter Market. Check out the online form for all the details and requirements. The market will be December 11-13 from 12-1:30 p.m. throughout the Zero Floor. All students are eligible to participate but space is limited.
• November 14 is the deadline for juniors and seniors to enter one piece into the Blueprint Gallery's 7th annual Dallas Young Artist Exhibition. Prizes up to $5000 are awarded.  
• The National PTA arts program Reflections is open through November 17. Students are encouraged to submit an original work of art based on the 2024-25 theme "Accepting Imperfection." You do not need to create something new for Reflections. You may have a finished piece that addresses the theme. (And you don't have to submit a Visual Arts entry. If you write, compose music, dance - check out the other categories.) Monetary prizes are awarded at the local level, and students have the chance to progress to regional, state and national competitions. 

If you have a truck, trailer, van or SUV we can use to transport several large sculptures from school to Dallas City Hall on November 15, please let us know. 

Read more about Aurora in this weekend's Dallas Morning News.

• November 12: PTSA, BTW Commons, 6 p.m. Guild meeting will follow. Location TBA.
• November 12: Coffee House Concert by BTW Guitar Ensemble, Black Box, 7-9:30 p.m.
• November 14-15: Evening of Dance, MAT, 7-9 p.m.
• November 15: Musical Theatre Fall Showcase, Black Box, 6-8:30 p.m.
• November 18: Showcase Week
• November 21: Senior Showcase exhibit and reception, Hudson Gallery, 5-7 p.m.

Check the school's DISD calendar for all the details.

Interested in volunteering with the 5x7 committee to plan and host our second annual Art Sale in January? It's a fun and unique event that can have a big impact on our faculty and students. Email btw5x7@gmail.com for details.

Visual Arts Guild at BTWHSPVA

2501 Flora St.

Dallas TX 75201