Civic Engagement
At the Glassell School of Art, civic engagement is a vital part of our mission to make art accessible, relevant, and responsive to the communities we serve. Our civic engagement programs create meaningful opportunities for artists of all ages and backgrounds to connect through creative expression, dialogue, and collaborative action. Rooted in our commitment to community, generosity, and collaboration, these initiatives extend beyond the studio to engage with Houston’s diverse cultural landscape.
Again: The Future of Plastics
Through hands-on materials studies and collaborations with local organizations, students earn college credit while transforming plastic waste into sustainable building materials that serve the community.
Benches by Trees by Youth
Benches by Trees by Youth, a program born from reclaiming a fallen tree in Hermann Park, showcases the fusion of art, sustainability, and community.
CreatiVets
The Glassell School of Art partnered with the national nonprofit organization CreatiVets to teach local veterans how to use art as a process for healing.
Jubilee Quilters-in-Residence
In partnership with The Community Artists’ Collective, the Glassell School of Art welcomes quilters from the organization’s Jubilee Quilt Circle into residence at the Glassell School. This collaboration aims to serve as a powerful conduit for transmitting vital community values and traditions while strengthening the bonds between Houston’s diverse artistic communities.
What I Know and When I Knew It
In the multi-workshop program What I Know and When I Knew It, 30 elders from Houston’s Third and Fifth Wards embarked on a personal exploration of their life stories, weaving connections with works of art in the MFAH collections, and in turn making their own art.