Generosity Fires Up Wimberley ISD’s Arts Program

“Art teaches history. Art teaches math, oh so much math! Art teaches students how to verbalize their thoughts, ideas and processes when they speak about their work,” Ober said.

Local artist, Jennifer Ober, presented a $500 donation to art teachers at Jacob’s Well Elementary School on August 20, at the Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees meeting.

A certified teacher and owner of Agua Fresca Studios, Ober is always excited to share the proceeds of her summer camp earnings in the form of a scholarship or donation to further the arts in the community.

“Art teaches history. Art teaches math, oh so much math! Art teaches students how to verbalize their thoughts, ideas and processes when they speak about their work. It nurtures an out-of-the-box way of thinking that is so valued in the workplace today. Art makes lots of kids excited to go to school. I believe that art and music is a fundamental part of a well-rounded education and the soul of a school,” Ober told the Board.

Jacob’s Well Elementary School has a robust arts program with students learning art appreciation and history while using a variety of mediums.

Through Ober’s generous support and partnership, the goal is to continue to raise funds for a kiln which will be used for firing the students’ clay creations.

“We are very grateful for Jennifer’s generous support of our arts program at Jacob’s Well and for her enthusiastic mentorship of our students. We look forward to really firing up our art classes through the addition of a kiln on our campus,” said Mary Grace Barbee, Jacob’s Well Elementary School Art Teacher.

Photo caption:

All Heart for the Arts: Wimberley ISD Board members, administrators and art teachers are excited to see the amazing artwork that district students will create thanks to a $500 donation from local art studio owner, Jennifer Ober.

L-R, Back row: Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees members, Lori Olson and Traci Maxwell; Scudder Art Teacher Diana Carruthers; Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees member, Joe Malone; Wimberley ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dwain York; Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees president, Gina Fulkerson and member, Tina Pennington

L-R, Front Row: Agua Fresca Studios Owner Jennifer Ober, WISD Board of Trustees member, Ken Strange; and Jacob’s Well Elementary School Art Teacher, Mary Grace Barbee