Paint to Music Art Show

Presented by the Austin Civic Orchestra

What is Paint to Music?

The ACO Paint to Music Art Show is a celebration of student creativity inspired by classical music. Each year, students create artwork while listening to a selected orchestral piece. For our seventh Paint to Music program, students are invited to create art at home or in the classroom while listening to Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi.

All submitted artwork will be:

  • Displayed in a physical art show in the lobby of Austin Baptist Church (7016 Ribelin Ranch Dr, Austin, TX 78750) on Sunday, February 7, 2027, beginning at 3:00 PM (Note: Depending on the number of entries, not all artwork may appear in the physical display.)
  • Photographed, arranged, and presented in a streamed digital art show, organized by school which will be emailed to the teacher by March 12, 2027.
  • Permission form for schools to use: ACO Paint to Music Art Show Permission Form.

Art Show & Concert

As a bonus, all participating teachers, students, and their families are invited to attend the ACO concert immediately following the art show — free of charge.

  • Art Show: 3:00 PM
  • Concert: 4:00 PM
  • Location: Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Dr, Austin, TX 78750

For concert tickets, visit our ticketing page and use the promo code free to remove all charges.

Who Can Participate?

The Paint to Music Art Show is open to all students in grades 1–12 in Austin and surrounding areas, including:

  • Public schools
  • Public charter schools
  • Private and parochial schools
  • Homeschool students

Artwork creation and submission are facilitated by art and music teachers.

When

  • Artwork Deadline: Thursday, January 14, 2027 (Early submissions are welcomed.)

To arrange artwork pickup or to coordinate a drop‑off location, email: education@austincivicorchestra.org

Digital slideshow delivery to teachers will be completed by March 7, 2027.

How to Participate

Fill out this form indicating you are interested in participating in the Art Show in 2027. ACO Paint to Music Art Show Participation Interest Form

Students should create original artwork while listening to a recording of Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi.

Suggested resources:

Acceptable media include:

  • Paint
  • Crayon
  • Marker
  • Collage
  • Assemblage
  • Chalk or pastels (sprayed with fixative)

Teachers may use our background notes on Pines of Rome to introduce the music.

Artwork Guidelines

  • Encourage students to fill the entire page or canvas. Light coloring or large blank areas do not photograph well for the digital show.
  • One entry per student.
  • Each artwork must be labeled with:
    • Student’s first name and last initial
    • Grade
    • Movement(s) of Pines of Rome the student listened to

To submit entries, email education@austincivicorchestra.org or call 512-970-4882 to arrange pickup from your school or drop‑off at an assigned location.

Why Paint to Music?

Paint to Music encourages students to explore how classical music can inspire imagination, emotion, and creative expression. By connecting listening and visual art, students discover new ways to interpret and respond to music.

Questions?

Contact: Amy Crandell, ACO Education Director 📧 education@austincivicorchestra.org 📞 512‑970‑4882