Spicewood Elementary School Art Teacher Jen Raybourn has been named the finalist to receive the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Award of Excellence for her work organizing Texas Youth Art Month exhibitions.
Raybourn serves as the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) vice president in charge of Youth Art Month, which yields three exhibitions and five events highlighting visual arts each year. As part of her role organizing Youth Art Month, Raybourn curates the state’s art exhibition and works with Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott to curate the Governor’s Gallery.
“I am really excited that this award is drawing attention to not only Youth Art Month, but also visual arts in every school,” Raybourn said. “Being recognized is a great sign that the NAEA feels that Texas as a whole is taking strides to make sure every student is getting an education and a chance to be creative.”
Youth Art Month will be observed in March across the United States. Round Rock ISD will hold special events throughout the month, including the exhibition gallery showings at campuses and an elementary art exhibition at the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center. The best artwork from across Texas will then be shown at the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas State Capitol Rotunda.
“We are fortunate to have Ms. Raybourn in Round Rock ISD where she positively impacts the lives of our students as well as students across Texas,” Fine Arts Director Lisa Roebuck said. “Ms. Raybourn not only is a leader in innovative art instruction in our district but she also puts hours of hard work into organizing Youth Art Month and deserves every bit of recognition for her efforts.”
Raybourn will accept the award at the NAEA conference, held in New York City in March.
