Blackwell School Alliance

We recently received this picture of two soldiers on horseback at the front of Blackwell School. It is believed that the picture dates to around 1912 or so and the soldiers were stationed at Fort D.A. Russell.

At this time plans are underway to restore the front façade of the Blackwell School so that it matches this picture. Because the front wall is damaged and adobes are eroding, it is felt that priority must be given to this section of the school. Funds have been received from an anonymous donor to help with the completion of this project. A contractor has submitted a bid for the lime-stucco restoration as well as the steps, door, and doorway. Work is scheduled to begin after the first of the new year.

At this time, two windows and one door are under construction. Donations are currently being accepted to cover the cost of the remaining windows and doors, where a memorial plaque will be displayed on the donated window or door in the name of participating donors. For information, please contact Blackwell School Members or leave a message at 432-729-4445.

“Traveler, there are no bridges, they are made along the way.”

                                    -Gloria E. Anzaldua

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

                                                               -Margaret Mead

LAND is a non-profit public art initiative committed to curating site– and situation-specific contemporary art projects in Los Angeles and beyond. Nothing Beside Remains is a suite of commissioned public projects, ranging from large-scale installations to discreet interventions in Marfa, Texas.

Los Angeles-based artist Andrea Bowers designed a temporary mural for the front of the façade of the Blackwell School which consisted of the Spanish translation of the above Margaret Mead and Gloria E. Anzaldua quotes. The mural was painted by Sergio Gonzales and Jim O’Rourke.

Fresh look done to the Band Hall. Offices were moved to Band Hall due to restoration to front wall. Our heartfelt thanks to Lionel Salgado (Blackwell School’s ONLY Gifted & Talented Student!) for his work in painting hall and shelves.

Thanks Leo!

Valentine students and their teacher toured the Blackwell School. Pictured from left, is Amelia Santillan, Teacher Bianca Porras, Adriana Range, Nicole Campbell, and Cayenne Webb. The students are working on a project for the Texas History Fair. The theme this year is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.

The students decided to do their project on the segregation of the public schools, concentrating on Marfa’s Blackwell School so that they could localize their project. The students interviewed Joe Cabezuela, Lionel Salgado, and Ismael Vasquez. “It was a great trip and we learned a lot,” said Porras.

SPUTNIK returns to Blackwell School! Hector Valdez, Blackwell School Sports Coach & Teacher, donated the legendary paddle back to the school.

Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) has selected CHILDREN OF GIANT (Galan Inc.) for development funding from their 2011 Public Media Content Fund. Their members felt “this was an original, fascinating and well-conceived proposal.” LPB has awarded a first phase grant to Hector Galan to produce the feature-length documentary project. CHILDREN OF GIANT explores social issues throughout history weaving a scenic exploration of the Academy Award winning film, George Stevens’ GIANT, and contemporary interviews. The film will include interviews with local people in Marfa, many of whom were involved with the making of GIANT, as well as cast members and production crew.

 

CHILDREN OF GIANT is directed by Hector Galan. Executive producers are Carolyn Pfeiffer and Hector Galan and producers are Karen Bernstein and Evy Galan. Pre-production filming began this summer in Marfa and further filming will take place this winter and early spring in Marfa and Hollywood.

Children of Giant Receives Grant from Latino Public Broadcasting

Rene Morales, cabinet maker from Santa Fe Cabinets in Presidio, will be making the windows and doors. Donations are currently being accepted for windows and doors at $1600 per unit. Donations are being accepted in memoriam of a relative selected by the donor. A plaque with the selected name will be displayed on the unit that is donated. Donations can be mailed to Blackwell School alliance, PO Box 417, Marfa, TX 79843. Checks and Money Orders should be made out to Blackwell School Alliance. Credit Cards are also accepted. For more information, contact a Blackwell School Alliance member or call 432-729-4445 or email, blackwell09broncos@att.net.