Thursday, June 13, marked a memorable occasion for Bachman Lake Together (BLT) as we celebrated the culmination of a unique and inspiring collaboration. Parent leaders in our Community Action Network, in partnership with the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), unveiled their individual art pieces crafted in response to the thought-provoking exhibition "When You See Me". This special exhibition, hosted by the DMA Center for Creative Connections (C3), sheds light on the narratives of underrepresented communities, inviting reflection and dialogue on inclusion and representation.

Uniting Art, Culture and Families

Twenty-eight art pieces curated by parent leaders were unveiled as part of the Bachman Lake Together exhibition. Families were welcomed to the temporary exhibition with keynote remarks by Odette Vega, Manager of Community Programs at DMA. Highlighting the exhibition theme, Vega emphasized the importance of this partnership to bring art to marginalized communities. Frank Santoni, Bachman Lake Together Board Member, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude and highlighting the growth of Bachman Lake Together and our parent leaders as a reflection of this exhibit.

Lastly, DMA and BLT families heard a personal reflection from Denisse Gutierrez, Bachman Lake Together Board Member and Parent Leader. Gutierrez mentioned that while this was an opportunity that allowed her to personally reflect on her identity and experiences, it also exposed her and her family to increased opportunities to explore diverse perspectives, discover new passions as a family and increase exposure to arts and culture.

Empowerment Through Art

At BLT and in the greater Bachman Lake community, our Community Action Network plays a vital role in fostering family engagement and empowerment within the community. Through initiatives like the collaboration with DMA's C3, we aim to amplify diverse voices and stories of our families and community. The opportunity for our parent leaders to create art pieces inspired by the DMA’s special exhibition "When You See Me" showcased their creativity and highlighted their perspectives on identity, belonging, and resilience.

"When You See Me" challenges conventional narratives by spotlighting stories that have historically been excluded or erased. The art pieces created by our parent leaders reflect this ethos, offering a personal lens into the themes explored within the exhibition. Through this project, both parents and their children learn invaluable lessons in empathy, tolerance, and respect—all which are integral components of social and emotional growth. Children who grow up within supportive and engaged communities are more likely to cultivate robust social and emotional skills, which are crucial for early learning.

Community Engagement and Inclusion

The exhibition, available for public viewing until July 7, is a testament to the transformative power of art in fostering empathy, understanding, community-building and partnerships. Visitors are invited to experience the thought-provoking journey crafted by our parent leaders, whose artworks serve as poignant reminders of the importance of representation and solidarity to foster resilient families and nurture thriving communities.

At the center of our mission, our goal is to unite the community to prepare children for kindergarten so they can thrive in school and beyond. The collaboration between DMA's C3, BLT and parent leaders exemplifies a profound dedication to community involvement and empowerment. We know that kindergarten readiness extends beyond mere academic preparedness—it encompasses the creation of a supportive community that values education and inclusivity. By uniting to celebrate and advocate for diverse perspectives through initiatives like art exhibitions, communities cultivate a positive environment where every child can thrive, both in kindergarten and throughout their educational journey.

Community Engagement and Inclusion

We invite you to visit the DMA and explore the exceptional art pieces created by our BLT parent leaders. Admission to the exhibition is free and a great summer activity for you and your loved ones! We guarantee that this exhibition promises to leave a lasting impact.

Experience the magic of art, learning and community—plan your visit today!

Location: DMA's Center for Creative Connections, Tower Gallery

Duration: Available until July 7, 2024

Admission: Free for the public