At Roberto Santos Elementary School, a new creative art initiative called Why Art? is blossoming in full color. The spotlight recently turned to the extraordinary program when UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz made a special visit to meet the young artists benefiting from the unique art instruction.
Sponsored by the UISD Guidance and Counseling Department and led by local artist Margarita Decanini Molano, Why Art? is a groundbreaking initiative that merges artistic education with emotional wellness for third-grade students. And it is spreading across the district.
“This is more than just an art class—it’s a safe space where students can grow, express themselves, and gain confidence,” said Melissa C. Ramirez, UISD’s Director of Guidance and Counseling. “Many of the children we selected struggled with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. We started with a pilot last year at Fasken Elementary and saw incredible results. Now, we’ve expanded to Roberto Santos and Gutierrez elementaries, and our hope is to reach every elementary school in UISD.”
Ramirez explained that the program spans 25 weeks, with students participating in weekly 45-minute art sessions. “They begin with the basics—lines, shapes, and patterns—and then build on that, learning about space, texture, and color theory. At the end, they create a final piece of art on canvas, which becomes their masterpiece.”
The program, proudly sponsored by the Mexican Consulate in partnership with ArtExpressions, provides each student with a special art kit. The instruction is offered voluntarily by artist Margarita Decanini Molano of ArtExpressions, who also authored the curriculum and accompanying book used in the lessons.
“I’ve worked with kids for more than 25 years,” Molano shared. “And I know how powerful art can be—especially at this age. Art calms them. It gives them a sense of purpose and happiness. One student told me, ‘I didn’t know I could do this.’ That’s what makes this program special.”
Molano’s sessions are infused with a holistic philosophy: “Art is to see, feel, listen, and write something that gives you emotion,” she said. “It’s not just drawing. It’s a connection.”
As Dr. Cruz toured the classroom, he was moved by what he saw. “Just walking in, I could see the students were fully engaged—mixing colors, exploring ideas, expressing themselves,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of program we want to support. It’s not only about fostering creativity, but also supporting mental health and social-emotional growth.”
Cruz noted how the integration of academic elements like math and science—through concepts like geometry and color theory—makes the program even more valuable. “You see students learning about primary and secondary colors, symmetry, and spatial reasoning—all while calming their minds through self-expression.”
When asked about his personal connection to art, Dr. Cruz smiled. “I used to doodle a lot, and I still do when I’m thinking. That kind of reflection helps with problem-solving. This program is the ultimate definition of self-expression—without screens, just creativity, focus, and joy.”
The culmination of Why Art? will be a special celebration, where students display their finished pieces. One winner will be honored with the Top Artist Award, which includes a laptop, courtesy of community sponsors. Molano will then take that winning artwork to a gallery, giving the student an unforgettable opportunity for additional exposure.
Ramirez hopes this is just the beginning. “Our vision is to have this program in every elementary campus. We’ve seen students blossom—introverts becoming confident, anxious kids finding peace. With support from Dr. Cruz and community partners, that vision is becoming a reality.”
For Molano, the joy is deeply personal. “I can’t explain what I’m feeling, seeing how far these kids have come." This program is art with heart, and it’s changing kid’s lives, one brush stroke at a time.
(L-R) Melissa C. Ramirez, UISD Director of Guidance and Counseling; Mucia Flores, Roberto Santos Principal; Dr. Gerardo Cruz, UISD Superintendent; Marcela Alcaraz, 3rd Grade Teacher, Margarita Decanini Molano, "Why Art" author and artist.
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