Education

Galveston Bay Children's Art Calendar

Since 1991, the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) provides an exciting outreach opportunity to local fifth grade students through the Galveston Bay Children’s Art Calendar. The art calendar is a unique opportunity for students to form a relationship with GBF and Galveston Bay. Students from public and private schools in the Bay Area were asked, “What people, plants, or animals can you find in and around Galveston Bay?” or “Who uses Galveston Bay?” Through their knowledge and creativity, students illustrated their answer to one of those questions.

Each year approximately 5,000 calendars are printed and distributed to GBF members, donors, schools, teachers, community leaders, local elected officials, Galveston Bay congressional districts and the general public. They are given away at all GBF events as well as educational booths at various community events throughout the five counties surrounding Galveston Bay: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, and Liberty County. The calendar is used as a tool to teach the significance of Galveston Bay and encourage appreciation and stewardship.

Participating schools receive a Bay Ambassador presentation to introduce students to Galveston Bay and create excitement about the calendar project. During this presentation students will understand:

What makes a Bay Ambassador

  • Gained knowledge and passion of Galveston Bay; and
  • Willingness to educate others through verbal and visual communications

What makes an Art Calendar Design

  • Demonstrating abilities to move concepts into a visual product; and
  • Creative minds

Students are expected to explore different media such as: paint, ink, marker, pencil, and crayons. Each year more than 300 applications and drawings are received. Judges select 14 winners – one for each month, and a front and back cover. Winners are recognized at an award ceremony and reception with their families and teachers. Over the years, the Galveston Bay Children’s Art Calendar project has reached 4,800 students.

The submission form is available and includes the rules and forms that are needed to submit artwork for the Galveston Bay Art Calendar. For more information, please call Rani Henderson, Manager of Education Programs, at (281) 332-3381 x212 or email her at rhenderson@galvbay.org.