CTAC looks back at art education in school districts

June 14, 2026 - 17:53

The Chisholm Trail Arts Council is taking a moment to look back at how art education has been woven into local school districts over the years. For the council, this program is more than just painting or drawing. It is about giving students and teachers a real chance to connect with creative work that might not otherwise be available in the classroom.

Art Education in Schools, as the program is called, is one of the main efforts run by the council. Its goal is straightforward: to bring art-related opportunities directly to students. This includes workshops, hands-on projects, and visits from working artists. The idea is to show young people that art is not just a subject in a textbook. It is a way to think, to solve problems, and to see the world differently.

Over time, the council has worked with several districts to make sure these opportunities reach as many kids as possible. Some schools have strong art programs already. Others have very little. The council tries to fill those gaps. Looking back, the focus has always been on access. Not every student can afford a private art class. Not every school has a full-time art teacher. The council steps in to help where it can.

There is no single way to measure success here. But the council points to the number of students who have tried something new, the teachers who have brought new ideas into their classrooms, and the community members who have volunteered their time. That is the real story of art education in these districts. It is not about awards or big events. It is about showing up, year after year, and making sure art stays part of the school day.