Inspired Arts Minds Center is hosting its first faculty show from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1 from six to eight p.m., and the school’s art teachers are displaying their past imaginative nature on the walls of the philanthropist organization.

“I was excited!” art teacher Marcie Dodd said. “I think that it’s always a goal of an artist to be able to showcase their artwork and show other people what we create, and this was a really nice opportunity to share it with the community where I teach.”

Inspired Minds is a noted active participant in the community for endorsing and assisting creative minds alike; it’s an establishment where art students can present their projects, sign up for classes in various fields of craft, and host galleries. 

“We’re [the art department] hoping that partnering with them will help us reach more people than we do just in our classrooms,” Dodd said. “To be able to showcase the artwork of our students, to be able to recommend additional classes to students, and then also just to have some support from a community gallery that is big into philanthropy and helping kids get the art education they need.”

During the event, visitors are catered to fresh snacks in the lobby, cool beverages, and a promising wine venue for adults to indulge in. A mini gift shop can be seen opposite the wine venue and encourages patrons to invest in handmade mugs, jewelry, small cheaper paintings, etc. as additional support.

“I show a lot of work in galleries in Austin but it’s not every day where I get students and parents to come by,” Dodd said. “It was a really fun event.”

Differing art forms from the showcased faculty fill the gallery room, such as pottery, paintings, sculpture, and more. Submitted works of both art instructors, Marcie Dodd and Adrienne Simes, can be seen on the walls alongside several partners of Inspired Minds craftsmanship, parading personal symbolism and sentiments. 

“My personal art is basically my therapy – my meditation,” Dodd said. “So every time I paint, I’m really trying to get out of these cynical thoughts that we have in our head and just kind of examine what’s going on inside.”

As of the entire month, academic work members can now collaborate with Inspired Minds to gather a broader audience range and put themselves out more within the community, and interested souls can peek in and advertise artists of Buda if so tempted. 

“We’re really trying to develop a relationship with Inspired Minds,” Dodd said. “They’re really active in the community and that is one of our goals as the art department –  to be more active in the community.”