Mural work is especially powerful. Murals function as personally transforming experiences for artists and as vehicles of communication and expression. Murals provide a way for artists to share their thoughts and feelings with the community.

Children are a source of creative ideas. In their mind’s eye there are no limitations. A child can clearly envision a dinosaur, a field of sunflowers or a flock of birds. Children represent the essence of innovation, ingenuity and imagination. This openness to new experiences allows children to aspire to their true geniuses. Creating a mural is a shared experience where ideas blossom as a group of young artists work as a team and begin to plan their visual masterpiece.

As the Art Director, I process all of the groups' ideas and visions and guide the whole group into a visual creation that best represents their shared vision. Designing a mural is an opportunity for artists to develop their artistic skills as well as their communication, organization and leadership abilities. Designing a mural is a valuable "hands on" experience that enriches the lives of the artists in a very deep and personal way. It is a rewarding experience they will carry with them as they grow and develop into adults.

The Process

The process of designing a mural begins with a group discussion where all ideas and themes are presented for review by the young artists. The team then votes on all of the themes and through this process a direction for the mural is chosen.

Once the theme is chosen the team members begin to do research in order to gain a whole perspective of their topic. All information, sketches and pictures are put together in a presentation and the team begins to design the actual mural image from this presentation.

The mural can be painted on a wall that is outside in a community setting, on an inside wall for the community or on a large canvas that will travel and can be exhibited in many locations within the community. Along with the mural, the team will write a story about the image they have chosen which will be on display with the mural.

The entire process of presenting an idea to creating a mural helps the team understand abstract reasoning through a "hands on" experience. The theme they choose comes alive through research and community interaction. The team must apply effective communication skills as well as an effective conflict resolution process during the planning of the mural. The end result is a beautiful mural, community awareness, self-confidence, increased communication and team cooperation skills.

Murals

Unity Through Diversity

UNAYO – North Amityville, NY – 1999 - 50’ mural
This mural was completed by 125 students who worked together to complete this mural, ages K – 12. This mural was completed during the summer program while I was the Art Teacher. The completed mural and interviews with various children were featured on Channel 12 News. Newsday featured the children and the mural in an article as well.

Click on each image to enlarge.

"There was a 97% improvement in behavior which is directly related to the mural project". Valerie Tutt, Director - UNAYO

Madonna Heights - Dix Hills, New York

Magic in the Sunset
This mural was designed by Ashley C. and painted by a team of art students during the summer art program of August 2006 while I was the Art Teacher. This talented group of teenagers worked together for 3 weeks to complete this 6’ x 8’ mural.

Click on image to enlarge.

The mural became the heart of the summer program. The construction of the mural provided an opportunity for the artists to express their passion for the environment. The mural was a catalyst for daily interaction among all of the students in the school. Everyday students would make sure they came by to see the mural take on new and exciting dimensions as the artists made progress.

The team became role models for the entire school, their creativity was contagious. Other students organized themselves and put together a proposal for the Director to do their own mural. I am currently completing another mural with another team of young artists at the school.

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