Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Bass.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
With over 36 years teaching experience coupled with a strong background in both Art and Psychology, I have developed my own style of teaching built around a unique curriculum that instills my students not only with the necessary technical skills but also motivates them through a appreciation of their own abilities and of art as a dynamic medium, allowing them to experience success throughout the year. I have been a driving force behind bringing the Art Car to the forefront of art education, as well as involving my students in other community art projects which in turn have allowed them to gain valuable insight into not only themselves but the community as a whole. The crux of my teaching experience has always helped my students become well rounded, confident individuals.
In all my teaching positions, I have tried to create the most dynamic classroom experience for my students. While working in most inner-city areas, my students regularly create installations and murals for various community-based organizations, such as Lawndale Art and Performance Center, Orange Show Foundation, The Aids Foundation, and the Mayors Anti-Gang Task Force.
I am the creator and founder of HISD’s award-winning Art Car Class that has won first place in the Houston Art Car Parade, (among others nationwide), since 1991. Under my direction, the students have had their art cars featured internationally in CNN, FOX, National Geographic, Car and Driver, FX channels Weird Wheels, New York Times, among many others. We have various art car projects as a part of permanent collections in Kula Limpur, Malaysia, Frankfurt, Germany, Baltimore, MD., and Decatur, IL. Minneapolis, MN., Steamboat Springs, CO., Houston, Austin, Trinidad, CO. Every year, I create an environment for students to move outside their element and provide them with experiences to grow and mature.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I got married young, 19, moved to the big city of Houston from Midland, Texas by way of a year in Denton at NTSU. Best decision I ever made was coming to the University of Houston and spending 11 years working my way through school. It was tough and I have had a million crazy jobs but what a fantastic ride! When I started teaching in HISD, I was newly divorced with a three-year-old, I decided if I was going to be a single mom… I needed to have a job that had hours like my son, so I quit social work and got my first teaching job. I was certified in Secondary Art and Sociology but there weren’t any positions open, so I took whatever they offered… I was desperate for a job. I taught English and Reading in a middle school in the 5th ward and my career took off from there. The next year, I moved to Edison Middle School and started the art car program in HISD.
It was not an easy task and I have been doing an art car a year with incredible students since 1990… 32 cars, hundreds of kids lives touched for the best!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I have been making art cars with kids since 1990… 32 so far and just starting two more for 2019 with Heights High School after school art car club. I am the first teacher to make art cars with students and been doing it the longest. My extremely creative students have won first place in the Houston art car parade every year, they have entered… and their work is stunning over and over again! It has been more than an honor to be a part of this program and their lives!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to continue being an art car teacher for years to come, I have loved every minute of my teaching career. Every year is a new, more spectacular creation. This year, we are working on a car that is a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan and his brother, Jimmie. We are honoring one of our true Texas musicians!! The design is going to be spectacular and the students have come up with some amazing ideas already.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artcarmaven.org
- Phone: 713-899-3765
- Email: canudigit2@mindspring.com
- Instagram: artcarmaven
- Facebook: Rebecca Bass
Image Credit:
Claire LaGroue
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