The digital arts program at Tyler ISD’s Caldwell Arts Academy will soon get a creative boost. The kindergarten through eighth grade fine arts magnet is partnering with Group M7 Design, a custom web development and digital branding company here in Tyler, to create a state-of-the-art digital arts lab. Through content such as graphic design, photo editing, print-making, and video production, students utilize the digital arts lab to create unique projects applicable to both art and business applications.
“We are really excited about this new partnership with Group M7 Design,” Principal Bobby Markle said. “This partnership will help our innovative curriculum excel forward and create the most unique arts learning environment in East Texas.”
The digital arts program at Caldwell has become one of the school’s most important curriculums by connecting technology and the arts to create a robust platform for student expression.
Approved by the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees during their August regular monthly meeting, the partnership provides $60,000 to furnish a Digital Arts Lab with 24 virtual desktops, 24 drawing tablets, and the school’s own HPE server to store all of the creative digital pieces students will produce each year.
“Group M7 is proud to be a corporate sponsor of Caldwell Arts Academy,” Group M7 Design Founder and Senior Partner Michael Mahfood said. “The value of a digital arts and graphic design program for K-8 students will prove to be an immeasurable attribute to this community. We look forward to working with the students at Caldwell to help mold the future of Tyler, Texas.
The partnership with M7 Design will also allow middle school students to have real world experiences that will help them decide what courses to take in high school as well as any fields study they may want to explore after high school. Additionally, Caldwell students will have the opportunity to participate in master classes with designers and developers from M7 Design to create innovative projects.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Hines, Tyler ISD Director of Communications, at 903-262-1064.