In addition to opportunities to practice art, UnboundEd provides young people with educational experiences. Adam will occasionally lead tours, like at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum. When there isn’t a special exhibit, the tours are planned around specific themes or ideas. The goal is to introduce students to art exhibits and encourage them to take advantage of the art around them.
“Lots of students and kids my age don’t realize they have this great resource right here,” Adam says, with Cecelia noting that many museums offer free or discounted admission to students.
Adam and Cecelia, an eighth grader at The Hockaday School, say they grew up surrounded by art. Their mother, who used to work as an architect, taught them about art and encouraged them to explore it on their own from an early age. Adam had his first art lesson at 4 years old and Cecelia at 3. He has since also picked up the piano and graphic design, while she paints and dances.
“What’s so great about art is there’s different forms,” Cecelia says. “I can express myself through moving, but I also really enjoy watercolor and acrylic.”
Aiden, an eighth grader at St. Mark’s, found his own entry point into art through family outings. Growing up, his mother would bring him to galleries, museums and concerts around Dallas.