Birmingham, AL - The Jefferson County School District is bringing visual arts to students through an innovative new approach.  

Starting this fall, the JEFCOED art bus will travel to various campuses that do not currently have a visual arts program.  Five years ago, approximately 30% of Jefferson County Schools fell into that category.  However, department leaders set out to close that gap and have made great strides in accomplishing that goal.  The art bus will further that initiative.

“We know how important art education has become.  This will open the door for new ideas and new opportunities.  This is just another unique and creative way that we can better serve our students,” said Dr. Terrence Brown, Director of Arts Education.

This classroom on wheels is equipped with everything from workstations and a sink to Wi-fi and TVs.  The concept behind the bus is even artistic in nature: taking something old and making it new again.  

“From the beginning, this has been a labor of love.  This is the culmination of three years of work.  We have literally stripped the insides out and rebuilt it to meet our needs.  I could not be prouder of our team, and I am so excited to see the bus roll out to classrooms this fall,” said Shelly Bailey, Visual Arts Supervisor.

The Art Bus was formally presented during the July 22nd board meeting.