First Grade Wing Mural Proposal

Click on this image and zoom in on this mural proposal to get an idea of all that could be. This 6″x 24″ scale drawing is done in pastel and acrylic.

Features
a durable, invitingly touchable, textured surface-
bright, light and weather fast-
aerial, north, East, and south mountains-
landscape with local urban and rural scenes-
many and minute details wherein viewers can locate themselves-
children playing-
native plants and creatures (identified) collage-
a blend of local lifestyles-
star map on the entryway ceiling-
Child and community inspired, designed, and executed sections-
moderated by the artist/educator-
integrated with other studies and school themes.

Mustang Mural Proposal, Talent, Oregon

In the original Mustangs Mural, the horses were in color to be enhanced, and backgrounds painted in to represent actual north, east, and south hills. The new Gym is to the right, onto which the mural would bleed harmoniously for phase 2 of the Learning Community’s self-portrait in the context of the landscape they belong to.

This project was a month in the planning, having gone through visits with the principal, teachers, district office, and community members. It was planned in detail, down to lesson plans, bilingual gallery, community involvement, and District Plan collaboration. It was to have all the features of the First Grade Wing Mural just above, and much more. There was an existing, historic, community mural of mustang horses on the building, and I was to incorporate that lovely historical image into the improved work and extend the whole thing onto the new gymnasium wall. I returned one August morning to check on the background colors and was crushed to find the whole thing painted over. I vented. To no avail. Yet.

It could still be done. The amazing horses could be found with a little sand blasting and resurrected with some fresh paint. The complete Mustang Mural Proposal is online. Below are a scale drawing for the kids to plan with, and one use of the planned artwork that you can click on to see full size and with explanations.

This scale drawing is for printing on 11×17 paper for the students and teachers to draw and doodle on. Lots of blank space is on the bottom half of the page for freestyle drawing and writing. There are many ways to use this drawing to draw out discussion, teamwork, and identity. Lesson plans are available

These are ways to promote the project: add a bit more information and make posters, flyers, and invitations to celebrations.