Junior Natalie Ponder stared in awe of the bright colors before her eyes as she fantasized about the people and places inside the images. She glided across the floor, taking in the beauty around her until she found herself at the door of the meeting room. With her mind full of ideas, Ponder grasped the handle, straightened her coat and took a deep breath before stepping into the room.
Ponder participates in the Kimbell Teen Council, a team that volunteers in the exhibits and plans events to invite more teens into the museum. During their monthly meetings, the council plans upcoming events, gives suggestions for Kimbell Teen Night and initiates different marketing tactics.
“I like getting involved in the planning of teen events because as a teen, my opinions matter,” Ponder said.
Two years ago, Ponder found herself admiring the art inside the museum when she encountered flyers advertising the Kimbell Teen Council. She then filled out the application in order to finally have the opportunity to share her love of art with others.
“It’s a good way to bring members of the community into the museum to learn about art,” Ponder said. ”I like being a leader, and I like being able to influence ideas.”
Members of the Kimbell Teen Counsel also volunteer in the exhibits during their free time. They stand by the art to give additional information about the pieces, help younger children in the kids’ programs create art and assist in taking 8-10 year olds on tours of the museum.
“[Art] is intriguing to me,” Ponder said. “It’s so interesting that two people can look at the same artwork and feel completely different emotions.”
The Kimbell Art Museum houses a permanent art collection filled with works from Monet, Picasso, and Bernini. The museum also hosts different exhibits for months at a time, one of which, The Phillips Collection, happens to include some of Ponder’s favorite works of art.
“It was cool to see all the great artists in one place,” Ponder said. “I encourage everyone to come to the Kimbell because there will always be something new to see.”
