“Head of the Class” showcases the work of artists and K-12th grade art instructors including C.J. Davis, Ollie Gee, Devyn Gaudet, Terry Horn, and Leigh Ann Williams
Art Tooth and Art7 are excited to present “Head of the Class,” a showcase of work from Fort Worth art instructors beginning with a fundraising reception on July 14th from 7-9pm. This exhibition will highlight the work of artists who also teach K-12th grade art. Personal artistic practice often becomes secondary to the demanding and stressful work of this career. In addition to struggling with work/life balance, Dallas-Fort Worth's teachers receive some of the lowest pay in the country. Currently the average salary of a Texas art teacher is $52,987 compared to the US average of $62,830, but salaries can begin as low as $27,320 with a sluggish increase to $31,560 after five years. In Fort Worth the average pay is a $48,890 compared to the higher-paying Houston area. These numbers don’t include the average costs of living, including student loan debt, rising housing costs in the area, and the hundreds of dollars these artists spend to supplement school supplies in their classrooms. Therefore, to build a stronger Fort Worth community, we should ensure teachers of any subject are given extra support.
“Head of the Class” will highlight the artwork of some of Fort Worth’s hardest working artists in the show at the west 7th satellite gallery of Fort Worth Community Arts Center’s (FWCAC), Art 7. Proceeds from this exhibition will go directly to fund teachers and their classrooms. Art Tooth will collect donations at the opening reception, and all sales directly benefit participating artists. FWCAC’s will also use a portion of their proceeds to purchase school supplies to be donated to FWISD.
The show includes a diverse range of art styles including the playful watercolors of Ollie Gee and Rebekah McKnight, ornate mixed media works of Terry Horn, and rural landscape photos by Devyn Gaudet. Participating artists include: C.J. Davis, Kay Ford, Devyn Gaudet, Ollie Gee, Terry Horn, Sean Ibanez, Rebecca James, Michelle Justice, Rebekah McKnight, and Leigh Ann Williams.
The sure to be fun-filled and jam-packed opening reception is free to the public with a suggested donation of $5-$10. The event will include, beer, wine and a DJ.
Donations can be sent in here !
For more images or to contact participating artists please email or call Shasta Haubrich at shasta@arttooth.com or 817-528-7638.
Event Details:
“Head of the Class”
July 14th - August 4th
Art7
2831 W 7th St,
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Opening Reception
July 14th 7pm-9pm
Suggested donation $5-$10