International Arts Center to welcome IAC Trojan Junior Warriors March 9-12

Close to 180 fifth-grade students from Troy Elementary School and Pike Liberal Arts School will take part in an immersive, multi-day field trip experience March 9–12 at Troy University’s International Arts Center (IAC) as part of the annual IAC Trojan Junior Warriors program.

Since its launch in 2017, the program has become a highly anticipated tradition for local schools, offering students a hands-on, multicultural arts experience designed to broaden perspectives and inspire creativity.

IAC Director and Curator Carrie Jaxon describes artwork to elementary school students during the annual IAC Trojan Junior Warriors program. (Photo/Dawn Key)

“Art has the power to help students see the world — and themselves — in new ways,” said Carrie Jaxon, IAC Director and Curator. “Through hands-on experiences and cultural exploration, we’re encouraging them to think creatively and dream bigger.”

During this year’s program, with guidance by community art teacher Rebekah Alexander, students will create original artwork using specially designed materials developed by featured artist Douglas Pierre Baulos, who served as the 2025 Department of Art and Design Artist-in-Residence at Troy University. By linking the Trojan Junior Warriors initiative with the Artist-in-Residence program — both supported through funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts — the International Arts Center strengthens each effort through intentional collaboration.

This cross-program partnership allows students to engage in a co-creative experience with an Alabama artist, deepening their connection to the creative process. Following the program, a selection of the students’ artwork will be installed at the International Arts Center and remain on display through April 12, giving participants the opportunity to see their work exhibited in a professional museum setting.

Students will also tour exhibitions featuring the work of Nall Hollis, Douglas Pierre Baulos, and Jennifer McCohnell and explore the “Terracotta Warriors Unearthed” exhibit. In addition, they will screen-print T-shirts showcasing the IAC Trojan Junior Warriors logo and spend time outdoors at the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, where they will view more than 200 Terracotta Warrior replicas installed throughout the park. While there, students will also have the opportunity to feed the fish and turtles in the pond.

In addition to their experience at the IAC, students will engage in cultural learning activities with TROY’s International Programs and Chinese student volunteers. Participants will create traditional Chinese papercut artwork, bracelets and learn about the symbolism and performance traditions of the Chinese dragon costume and dance.

While on campus, students will have lunch in Trojan Dining, with support from Sodexo helping offset meal costs.

Two elementary school students look at a Chinese dragon during last year's International Arts Center Trojan Junior Warrior program. — As a part of the extended field trip experience, students have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of Chinese culture. (Photo/Dawn Key)

This marks the fifth consecutive year the Trojan Junior Warriors program has received funding support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Thanks to these grants, the IAC is able to provide the field trip at no cost to participating schools, covering transportation, substitute teachers, lunch and snacks.

Through creative exploration and cultural exchange, the IAC Trojan Junior Warriors program continues to foster curiosity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the arts among local students.