Mission...
The mission of the Art Guild of Rural Texas is to provide visual and performing arts and to the south central Texas area. The Art Guild augments schools’ art curriculums and offers more exposure to the fine
arts for children and adults in this multi-county region.
To accomplish this mission the Art Guild offers the following programs:
1) Art After School
2) Fine Art Assemblies
3) Summer Art Camp
4) Gallery Exhibits
5) House Concerts
6) Art Walk
7) Art Library
History...
The Art Guild of Fayetteville, Texas was organized in August 2003. This founding group of artists, musicians and art lovers believed that students in the Fayette County area needed to have performing art experiences (ballet, opera, symphony, theater) similar to those found in large cities.
Jeanette Brown, founder and visionary leader, first approached the superintendent of the Fayetteville School District to confirm that area schools needed additional support for art programs. Travel time and expense prohibited the schools from transporting students to the larger and more distant cities for these events. Jeanette Brown and fellow founder, Judge Terry Ross, developed plans to bring art assemblies from the cities to the rural area at no cost to the schools or the students. These assemblies were funded mostly by membership funds (30 original members) and some local sponsorship.
The first school year all Fine Art Assemblies were held in Fayetteville with invitations issued to nearby school districts. When only two districts took advantage of the opportunity, the Art Guild quickly learned that the expense and complications of transporting all of the students to these performances was a deterrent to participation. After re-evaluating the program, it was decided to take these assemblies directly to as many rural schools as possible. This plan has been well received by seven school districts and two private schools.
Administrators, staff and parents are excited about the Fine Art Assemblies because they bring experiences to the students that they otherwise might never encounter during their school years.
In June 2005 a generous member offered funds to purchase a building. This newer and larger facility has enabled the Art Guild to expand student programs, to offer concerts and to provide an Art Gallery for the adult community. September 2005 the organization offered eight assemblies to seven school districts with other districts and private schools invited. School Year 2005-2006 the Art Guild provided fine art assemblies to over 6,000 students on eight campuses. During the School Year 2006-2007 the Art Guild provided fine art assemblies to over 12,000 students. School year of 2007- 2008 we provided programs for 10,000 students. The Art Guild of Fayetteville, Texas is operating under the assumed name of Art Guild of Rural Texas to better identify the focus of it’s programs. A model arts organization, the Art Guild of Rural Texas has been given a second building for classrooms. This space will hold four art classes for children and adults, storage and space for a new music program including private lessons.
