Mexic-Arte Museum’s Screen It program connects students to the Austin art community and guides them in developing their art skills as a tool of expression and a useful entrepreneurial tradeskill. It encourages students to express themselves creatively in a safe learning environment. Students create meaningful, personalized artwork that they can wear proudly, such as T-shirts, reusable shopping bags, and/or posters. Screen printing is an art form that has a strong history associated with the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s when activists used screen printing to reclaim public art and send messages through visual representation. By learning this art form, students make a positive connection to their cultural identity, gain self-respect, and cultural pride. Screen printing is an art technique that is often not offered in public schools due to costs and the process involved, however Mexic-Arte Museums Screen It program makes it accessible to all students.
All education programs are TEKS aligned and conducted by practicing artist educators at local schools as well as blended online learning curriculum. Funding for this program is generously provided by Community Youth Development through a grant from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Austin Public Health through the City of Austin.