Art Lessons..................

Posted Date: 03/16/2024

In partnership with The Wallace Theater, the Texas Tech School of Art recently engaged in an inspiring collaborative initiative with Levelland High School students in Mr. Steven Suarez's Art Classes. This endeavor aimed to foster creativity, artistic expression, and educational enrichment for the participating students. The collaboration began with a field trip to Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts to engage with the current exhibit belonging to Contemporary Native Ceramics from the Southern Plains. One featured artist was Chase Kahwinhut Earles (Caddo). Students engaged with Mr. Earles as he spoke about Indigenous Futurisms. Earles is a Caddo artist and participant in reviving one of North America’s great ceramics traditions. In trying to understand his ceramic heritage, Earles worked with Jeri Redcorn (Caddo/Patawatomi), who resurrected Caddo ceramics in the early 1990s. Numerous students said, “ This was fun!” “Engaging, self-reflective,” “Found connection to past and future,” and “Enthralling.” Then last week, Mr. Suarez's Art classes continued in a follow-up session with the Texas Tech School of Art initiative to reciprocate the enthusiasm by organizing a visit to Levelland High School, offering insights into the diverse disciplines within the realm of art. Students were then challenged to create their own teapot from clay, as the Caddo once did. These LHS students will return their pots to the Earth just as it was done years ago. The Wallace Theater was the connecting partner in this collaboration, facilitating communication and coordination between Texas Tech School of Art, Landmark Arts, LHUCA, and Levelland High School. Thank you for a great experience!
https://files.gabbart.com/456/artvideo.mp4