This is the fourth in a series of Legacy Posts about projects that happened early on in my art classroom. Recently I was able to tap into some archived photos that I thought had long ago disappeared. I’ve decided to write some blog posts incorporating these photos to share the memories and/or inspire others to try these projects. Some are very dear to me because I took risks with my students and the end result was big learning for all of us, especially me. Also, in my nineteenth year of teaching now, I realize that ideas, projects, and programs come and go, and sometimes come back again. These art projects are just a memory now, and I believe they are worth remembering. The first post in the series can be found here, the second here, and third here.
Our school schedule included exploratory blocks from 2006/7 and 2007/8 along with regular specials. During this time I offered a class called Leave Your Mark in which we painted murals on the walls around the school. In the spring of 2007, I was approached by our school daycare manager about a big, blank wall they wanted to cover with a mural. I asked a few of my most talented and trustworthy sixth grade students if they would be interested in designing a mural for the space. Of course they were excited and eagerly went to consult with the daycare about imagery. They decided on an Under-The-Sea theme and quickly drew up plans for the colorful mural. They worked during project blocks and other times around the babies’ napping schedule and by the end of the school year it was complete. This mural was also glazed to last for eternity. Here are some photos of the artists and their amazing mural:
