Above: People Are Like the Colors in the Painting of Life (fourth section). Right: Peace Among All Creatures,
The African Savannah and Rainforest. Below: Importance of Literacy—Reading Science Fiction.
sharing their art experience with
the public. The article became my
inspiration for our team approach to
art. Subsequently, after a discussion
with my very supportive
principal, the Downingtown Middle School
Mural Club was formed.
The school at that time
was only four years old
and its white walls created a perfect canvas. The
murals provided a creative
outlet for students and
gave them the opportunity to work collectively
as a group. The teamwork
approach would be a very
different experience for
the traditional solitary art
student.
Criticism, unfortunately not
always positive in public art,
becomes an invaluable learning
experience. These paintings were
to be placed on the walls of a school
with over 1400 middle-level student
art critics. I explained to the students in my club that the creative
process would take an entire school
term and that they might encounter
some negative remarks during this
process. Much to our surprise, very
few unkind remarks were made and,
in fact, their peers greatly encouraged them.
Design
Brainstorming themes for the
murals was a significant part of
the process. It was important for
students to take owner-
ship of their ideas so all of
the themes had to have a
direct impact on students’
lives. Respect for people,
environmental concerns,
the importance of literacy
and current events, such
as September 11th, brought
forth a plethora of ideas.
Students worked hours
on preliminary sketches,
making countless artistic
decisions. After initial draw-
ings were approved, they
combined their sketches to
create unified compositions.
This process allowed all students to
contribute.
Creation
Plywood boards were purchased and
primed. The boards allowed students
to create murals for wall areas that
