A Dino-mite New Paint Job, Thanks to April Caballero!

April Caballero

Earlier this spring, we were grateful when one of our dedicated volunteers spearheaded the project to refresh the paint on our dinosaur sculptures. Read below to hear from April Caballero about the project!

I am an artist and educator. I live in Canyon Lake, TX. I taught in public schools for 21 years, mostly kindergarten and pre-K and I now stay involved in education by substitute teaching and other activities. I am working on getting my Texas Master Naturalist certification. Through the Master Naturalists, I became involved with local organizations such as the Heritage Museum and the GBRA at the Canyon Lake Gorge.  I volunteer to assist with field trips at the Canyon Lake Gorge. I recently taught summer camp for the Heritage Museum, and through them have volunteered to do other activities in the community such as read alouds at the local library. I have also volunteered as a docent for tours at the Heritage Museum. 

I got involved with painting the dinosaurs at the Museum when I met Kathy and Rich Ferguson (members of the Board of Directors). I had asked them about what projects they needed help with around the Museum. I don’t remember most of the other projects Kathy listed off. As soon as I heard “painting dinosaurs", I knew that was what I wanted to do. I’m so grateful to Kathy for trusting me with this project. It has been an awesome project, but also allowed me to find a new direction for myself. You can say I found myself painting dinosaurs - haha! More on this in a minute. 

I have been an artist my whole life and I work in many different mediums. I can paint paintings, address rocks, windows, and murals. I can hand build and throw pottery. I make sculptures, jewelry, and piñatas. I have been involved in many off-the-wall art projects. Many years ago, 2010-2011, I was asked to help make parade float centerpieces for the New Life Children Center at Canyon Lake. I am artist of all arts, kinda like a handyman is a jack of all trades. 

Other dinosaur artwork April has made for the Museum

One of the newly painted dinosaurs

Other dinosaur artwork April has made for the Museum

Other dinosaur artwork April has made for the Museum

Learn more about Happy Little Lake Studio

Now back to the dinosaurs and Kathy. As I painted the dinosaurs, I was having so much fun and I kept thinking, “I wish I could do this all the time.” I realized I’ve finally figured out what I want to do with my life after teaching. I started my art business mostly focused on murals and window painting, Happy Little Lake Studio, and I would also like to one day work for a museum or an organization such as the GBRA. Thank you Kathy! 

Thank YOU, April! The Heritage Museum would not be able to function without our dedicated and hardworking volunteers. Stop by or drop us a line at museum@gvtc.com for more information on getting involved with the Heritage Museum.