PSJA ISD students showcase artwork at IMAS Exhibition

MCALLEN – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) Buell Central Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP) students showcased their artwork during the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) Youth Identity through Art Exhibition Reception on Jan. 21, 2024.  

IMAS recently featured a new initiative, Screen It: Youth Identity through Art, funded through a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and aimed at supporting at-risk youth in the community and offering alternative activities for them while they are not in school. 
 
Through this unique opportunity, students gained access to an immersive art experience that included both the content of the IMAS collections and the opportunity to learn from the expertise of practicing artists working in the field.   

Students got to apply the knowledge they gained by participating in workshops under the guidance of the artists from Palo Santo Prints. 

For Elii Moncivais, sophomore, having his artwork on display was an inspirational moment that he will remember for a lifetime.  

“It’s an honor to have my work displayed at an Art Museum,” said Moncivais. “I wasn’t very good at drawing but after participating in the workshop, I feel confident in my art, I’ve even found myself drawing for fun in my free time.”  

Screen It: Youth Identity through Art is designed to equip teens with creative and technical skills in screen printing. Palo Santo Prints conducted several workshops at the beginning of January where students learned the artistic and technical processes of screen printing. 

“Our students are raving about the experience as having a great impact on their appreciation and understanding of the Museum of Arts and Sciences,” said Buell Central DAEP Teacher Joel Cavazos. “I admire our student’s dedication and hard work in representing PSJA ISD. In addition, their parents, abuelas, and friends got to witness their educational stepping stone! Together WE are proud of our students!” 

The student's artwork will be on display at the IMAS from now until February 5, 2024. 

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