By Doris Christelis, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Each of the 600 elementary school students at the Kane School in Marlborough are getting their smocks dirty this winter taking part in a school-wide art project that will result in a giant outdoor mural. The colorful mural, over 30 feet wide and over 10 feet tall is being created indoors with the mounting and unveiling in the school's courtyard scheduled for springtime.
Muralist David Fichter, in collaboration with art teacher Laura Douglas and Marlborough Public School K-12 art coordinator Julie Baker, will work with the students to conceptualize, draw and paint the large permanent mural. The project, made possible through a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, will showcase the school's core values.
Each student submitted an original drawing based on the school's four core themes: cooperation, respect, compassion and integrity. Fichter, who worked on a large interior mural in the school 20 years ago, created the layout of the mural, which incorporates the students” drawings. After the initial layout was finalized, each student had a chance to paint part of the mural based on what they had learned about color and composition.
Kane Principal Kirk Gibbons is proud of the students” work and their enthusiasm.
“Everyone is very excited about this mural project,” he said. “It involves everyone in this school and is a perfect tie-in to our school's focus this year on character education.”
The mural features vibrant images of how “Character Shapes Our Community,” the mural's theme. The students drew children sharing toys and helping handicapped friends, policemen helping neighbors, teachers in the classroom, firemen rescuing kittens from trees, and veterinarians examining animals.
“The students need to have a place in the school that they feel is theirs, a place that they feel connected to and a place that reflects the school's values. We are creating that special place for them, and at the same time, making over a wall in the courtyard that could use some color,” Gibbons added.
The final mural is scheduled to be unveiled at Kane during the school's annual spring art show.
