Sampson-Howard Elementary, which serves as the lone fine arts academy in Temple ISD, brought the story of Willy Wonka to life with a musical this week.

Besl uses natural history as a platform to explore social issues. She was awarded a 2024 New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) grant for Temple of Hortus. Besl is represented by Resource:Art.

“The structure will become activated, touching every corner on all four floors; we will make her a temple to the arts.” Former Thalian Hall CEO Tony Rivenbark, who ran the hall for 42 ...