School alumni, public invited to auction

By Laura Pratt

To commemorate 50 years of remarkable achievements, the Montessori Children’s House and School (MCHS) will host a free online Art Auction from April 9-17, with proceeds benefiting The Next50 Fund, the school’s sustainability fund. The week-long auction features internationally and regionally renowned artists Pamela Nelson, Nishiki Sugawara and Ann S. Adams. Additional artwork has also been donated from other regional and local artists, including many of whom are alum MCHS parents and students. 

The finale of the Art Auction is the 50th Anniversary Virtual Gala on Saturday, April 17, from 8:30-9:30 p.m., which includes a live auction. The event is free to attend. The live auction features students’ classroom masterpieces, which involve unique Montessori experiences with their guides. Registration for the Auction and Gala are free at mchsdallas.org.

The online auction honors the founders of Montessori Children’s House and School, the Schwalm family. Desiring a unique learning experience for children that focused on individualized exploration and discovery, Carl and Mary Schwalm established what has become an exceptional Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) accredited school. 

According to Christa Montague, MCHS head of school and alum parent, “In the Montessori setting, art is inherent and occurs organically in the Montessori environment. Art has a larger purpose in that it is part of the fundamental way in which a young child is allowed to construct themselves. In honor of the Montessori method, it made sense for us to have an art auction. We invite the community to join us in honoring the Schwalms and raising funds for our next 50 years.”

The MCHS alum community is also encouraged to reconnect by participating in a special Reunion Hour on the day of the Gala, Saturday April 17. This event is free to attend as well. Attendees may register at mchsdallas.org. For more information about The Next50 Fund, the sustainability fund formally established by the MCHS Board of Directors housed with the Communities Foundation of Texas, email [email protected].