The Woodlands High School Art Trust (TWHSAT) celebrates the unique blend of community, creativity, and education by engaging students in curating a permanent collection of artworks that brighten their school and foster a love for the arts. This inspiring initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is modeled after a long-standing program started nearly 90 years ago at Greater Latrobe High School in Pennsylvania—a place where students have handpicked art for decades, creating a tradition of artistic engagement.
The story of TWHSAT began in 2010 with Ray Mt. Joy, who, inspired by the art program at his alma mater, envisioned a similar initiative at The Woodlands High School. With strong backing from the school and Conroe Independent School District, Ray and his wife Pam helped bring this concept to life, hoping to spark the same sense of community connection that has thrived at Latrobe for over 70 years.
Latrobe’s original program was the brainchild of two forward-thinking teachers who wanted to bring the arts into students' everyday lives. In 1938, they started the Latrobe One Hundred Friends of Art, which supported the acquisition of student-chosen art, turning it into a tradition that has endured and enriched generations of students with a remarkable collection of 20th-century Pennsylvania art.
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At The Woodlands High School, the Art Trust carries forward this vision. Each year, Texas-based artists submit their work, and students vote on their favorites. The chosen pieces are then purchased with funds raised from the annual Homecoming Dance. As TWHSAT celebrates its 14th anniversary, the collection has grown to 66 pieces by 55 artists, beautifully reflecting the interests and perspectives of its students over time.
For the 2024 collection, the finalists include:
- Cassandra Bohne-Linnard (Cypress)
- Jonas Criscoe (Houston)
- Daryl Gannon (Conroe)
- Patti Gary (Montgomery)
- Ksenia Kozhenkova (Houston)
- Tom Larock (The Woodlands)
- Caroline Marcos (Tomball)
- Elena Martino (Willis)
- Drew McDonald (Austin)
- Lynet McDonald (The Woodlands)
- Asiya Nouretdinova (Pearland)
- Jason Turner (Spring)
As TWHSAT grows, it’s building a collection that’s more than just decoration; it’s a living archive of student voices and values. The collection enriches the school’s environment and offers a learning resource for subjects like language arts and social studies, bridging connections between academic and cultural lessons.
To make the collection accessible to all, TWHSAT offers free private tours, where community members can explore the artwork and hear the stories behind each piece. To schedule a visit, email twhsat@gmail.com.
With its expanding collection, The Woodlands High School Art Trust is not just honoring the legacy of Greater Latrobe; it’s crafting a new legacy in The Woodlands, where students, teachers, and community members alike can experience the joy and significance of art, one piece at a time.
