From April 9–11, Ursuline Academy of Dallas was proudly represented at the annual Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Arts Festival, hosted this year at St. Mark’s School of Texas. Twenty-one Ursuline students participated in this dynamic and immersive celebration of the arts, joining peers from across the region for three days of creative exchange and artistic growth.

The festival provides students with a unique educational experience beyond the traditional classroom. Participants exhibit their work, attend hands-on workshops, engage in group critiques, and receive individualized portfolio feedback from college representatives and leading arts professionals in the Dallas community. Just as importantly, students have the opportunity to connect with fellow artists from other ISAS schools, fostering both collaboration and inspiration.

According to Visual Arts Department Chair and Popolo Gallery Director Dr. Jocelyn Holmes, this year’s showcase was especially noteworthy. "The showcase of artwork by Ursuline students at this year’s festival was one of the finest examples in recent memory," she shared. "I am extremely proud of the work our students have completed this year. The excellence of their work is evidenced by the feedback and praise they received from adjudicators who acknowledged the caliber of their work, the deep exploration of their respective media, and the clear evidence of student voice present in their artistic creations. The festival is one of the highlights of the school year for the Visual Arts Department and the opportunity to collaborate with other ISAS schools, generate new ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue, and reflect on best practices strengthens both our teachers' and students’ artistic growth."

Congratulations to our talented student artists for representing Ursuline with such creativity, dedication, and authenticity! 

Ursuline ISAS Festival Artists 2026

About the Festival

The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Arts Festival began in 1967 with an invitation from the Casady School Choir to the choirs of Wichita Collegiate and Holland Hall. Since then, the festival has grown to become the nation’s premier annual regional arts festival for independent schools. Typically held each spring on the campus of a different member school, the festival brings together approximately thirty-five participating schools and around 3,000 students.

Unlike traditional competitions, the ISAS Arts Festival emphasizes sharing and learning, with critiques from professional artists and performers. This collaborative approach fosters creativity, experimentation, and mutual appreciation among the schools. The festival has played a significant role in developing strong arts programs at participating ISAS member schools, inspiring both students and educators alike.