One of the roadside billboards greeting motorists as they arrive in Clifton touts the slogan "Deep in the Art of Texas". That's more than a catchphrase to the folks in this small Central Texas community located 30 miles northwest of Waco.
Developing a culture for the arts begins with the intentional act of valuing the human expression found in each art form. This foundation begins with area school children having the opportunity to experience the arts in many forms. Students at Clifton Elementary School begin to understand words like line, form, shape, and texture when they enter the classroom of long time art teacher, Brenda Smith.
Smith takes special care in the display of student art work. Student work is displayed throughout the entire building with each student artist's name carefully printed on display tags. After all, every great artist signs his or her work.
Additionally, students have the experience of another veteran educator in Mauneece Payne, a 30-year veteran who left the regular classroom a decade ago to take over a run of the mill elementary music program. She's never looked back. In her tenure as music teacher, Payne has turned the music program into a music, drama, and choral experience for students. Throughout the school year students perform musicals designed specifically for the purpose of reinforcing a particular character trait.
Students at the secondary level have the opportunity to further develop their musical talents through three middle school bands for grades 6, 7, and 8 along with a middle school jazz band. High schools students benefit from marching band, stage band, jazz band, in addition to solo and ensemble competition. Clifton High School Band has developed a statewide reputation by making back to back appearances in the finals of the UIL State Marching Band Competition. High School Band director Keith Zuehlke speculates the experiences in elementary music allow some students to excel in the area of music once they reach the secondary level.
Support for the performing arts is strong. Students participating in One Act Play have benefited from the expertise of individuals involved with the Bosque County Conservatory of Fine Arts (BCCFA), Tin Building Theatre. Tin Building Theatre regular Chanda Robertson, also an educator, has served as assistant director for several One Act Play productions.
The development of artistic talent continues at Clifton Middle School where students have the option of taking art as an elective. Clifton High School students have the opportunity to take Art 1, Art 2, Art 3, Art 4 Drawing, and Art 4 Painting. Through the BCCFA Art Council High School Art Show, high school students have the opportunity to showcase their work in competition and expand their experience beyond the classroom.
From the classroom to the gallery, from the music room to the stage, the community of Clifton nurtures the arts "Deep in the Art of Texas".
