The story of Newspring Visual Arts began in 2007 when three Spring Branch ISD schools agreed

to allow Newspring to bring professional artists in to art classrooms. Local visual arts professionals - from

painters to graphic designers to architects - spoke to the students about their careers: the nature of the

work, what they could expect to earn, how they managed the business of themselves, and, most important-

ly, the education that was necessary. For the fi rst time in their lives, the sons and daughters of day laborers

imagined a future in which their passion could become their trade. Each visiting artist stressed to the stu-

dents the importance of staying in school, and how crucial an education was to success as an entrepreneur

in the arts.

Starting an after school art program was a natural next step, and tentative planning began. To open

an art studio requires space and materials, but, in schools where nearly all students qualify for free lunch,

the funds would have to come from something other than tuition. God’s provision had been evident from the

start in the schools’ warm welcomes and speakers’ willingness to share their time. Now, it was demonstrat-

ed even more dramatically as tangibles appeared that gave the dreams being encouraged a way to become

realities. Newspring’s fi rst art studio opened in 2010 at 1900 Blalock, made possible by a local developer

who off ered the space at a steeply discounted rent. Art materials were purchased with generous contribu-

tions from local businesses, churches, and individuals committed to their community. Teachers received

support and help from volunteers, some artistic, some gifted in other ways. Talents aside, the encourage-

ment was unwavering, inspiring continued faith in both Newspring’s mission and the bright futures of its

students.

Newspring’s inaugural Student Art Auction in 2008 took place at Guadalajara restaurant. It

brought together the student artists with potential patrons for their work, nourishing the seeds of hope

planted by the professionals who had spoken at their schools. The ideas that there is a market for art, and

that a career built on a passion is possible, blossomed and bore fruit through the art auction. It also exposed

the young creatives to diffi cult realities of being a professional artist, like the dependence of their incomes

on personal preference, the importance of networking, and the necessity of detaching from a highly per-

sonal product. Struggling to accept those realities was made easier by the very real money that came in,

every penny of which went to the student artists to fi nance their ongoing educations. Within three years,

the auction outgrew Guadalajara’s backroom and moved to a CityCentre art gallery. The commercial space

could better accommodate the increase in art and attendees, which has been robust: since the auction de-

buted in 2008, students have earned a staggering $75,000 in sales.

During that time, the after school Visual Arts program continued to flourish. Participants were asked only

for their commitment - if they registered to attend, they were expected to demonstrate personal responsibility

and dedication by showing up. Since its first year, the schools represented at the Blalock studio grew from three

to seven, a testament to the strong motivation kids across Spring Branch have to improve their situations. The

studio reached capacity in the 2012 school year. Newspring’s board members, not wanting to turn away any

young artist with the desire to grow, began considering the possibility of opening a satellite location. The idea was

in its earliest stages, still being prayed over rather than acted on, when the board’s faith and reliance on God was

once again rewarded.

In May of 2013, Forney Construction (FCC) purchased and began renovating a building on Long Point

Road in the heart of Spring Branch. Out of a deep sense of personal gratitude for how God had blessed him, FCC

owner Tom Forney began his company five years earlier with a firm commitment to give back to the very same

Spring Branch community where his own family had thrived for four generations. He met Newspring founder

Robert Westheimer at the 2013 Student Art Auction, heard about their need, and saw an opportunity to help stu-

dents and support the future of Spring Branch, all through an organization that shared his desire to glorify God.

FCC invited the Visual Arts program to move to the Long Point building, into a significantly larger suite built out

specifically to house an art studio, all at no cost to Newspring.

The community’s support of the students and faith in their futures is touching. However, this story is a

spiritual one, and God’s providence is evident from Newspring’s genesis to the pages of faith and feats added

daily. “We see what we do as a Christian witness, and we’re trying to be faithful to that,” says Robert Westheimer.

“The spiritual dimension of Newspring is what gives it life. Without that, it would just be a nice organization doing

nice things.”

Newspring was founded as a Christian organization, and they are deliberate in maintaining that align-

ment to God. As successful as Newspring’s Visual Arts program has been (and it has been by any measure*),

none of it was solicited or planned for. Its growth and health is an affirmation that a faith-based organization can

work. Newspring’s priority is to maintain a strong spiritual emphasis so that people know it is faith-based by the

way it operates, not just by its mission statement. Their story is their testimony, and it speaks boldly to the wisdom

of building on God’s firm foundation. This move is just one more affirmation of God’s continuing spiritual direction

and blessing.

*Every spot in the after school program is filled, with kids waiting; the operation of the Art Studio is supported entirely by donations; the

financial support has been such that Newspring was able to award a $5,000 scholarship in 2012, two of them in 2013, and plans to add

one per year until there are four annually; multiple students from the early years have since attended college, graduated with degrees in

art or related fields, and some work as teachers and volunteers with Newspring today.

8945 Longpoint - Suite 100 -- 77055

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713-590-0100