Cool Schools

Community Schoolyards Project

One of 29 Pieces’ primary focuses in 2020 was the design, production, and installation of art for six public parks located on six Dallas ISD elementary school campuses – a project in partnership with the Trust for Public Land as part of their mission to make greenspace available within a 10 minute walk for all Dallas citizens. This opportunity availed 29 Pieces the opportunity to engage teachers, students and administrators at each of the campuses in our THRIVE lesson, a lesson inviting the imagination of a “garden of peace.” Students’ art offered a template of motifs that professional artists drew upon in designing a large custom mural for each school. Participating Dallas ISD Elementary schools included: Frank Guzick and John Ireland (Southeast); Arturo Salazar (South); Sam Houston (Central); Reinhardt (Northeast); David G. Burnet (Northwest). Amidst the distancing required of us during a pandemic, we were pleased to have the opportunity to work with individual schools in conducting the THRIVE lesson – and to involve so many students in using their imagination to explore the natural world!