Posters for Zimbabwe

This blog is about a mural project (well, more like posters) done with kids that is more personal and closer to my heart than others.  Let me back up....

When I was in 2nd grade, I started taking lessons to learn how to play the marimba music of Zimbabwe.  I played off and on with different classes and ensembles from 2nd grade through high school, and sometimes when I was home from college.  The Eugene, OR. organization that I took classes from is called Kutsinhira.  If you're in the Eugene area and have been wanting to try a new and interesting musical endeavor, they are WONDERFUL.

Yesterday, Kutsinhira had their annual membership party where all their classes get together to play music for each other, eat together, and have a meeting about what's going on with the various charity organizations they associate with.  An organizer of the event wanted to have the attending kids paint posters for the 3 Zimbabwe organizations that our Eugene community is connected to, as a token of our friendship.  The organizations Tariro, Chinhoyi High School, and Nhimbe, would all be sent posters to hang in their Zimbabwe offices.

The party was held in an elementary school auditorium/cafeteria, so I set up in the hallway so the kids could still hear the music playing nearby.  Then I rounded up some kids to help me paint!  We only finished 2 of the posters during the party, but I think they turned out bright and fun.  The important part, was that the kids have the opportunity to feel more connected to the Zimbabweans who brought their music over to us, by sharing their art with them.  Cultural Competency for the win!  Another kid mural goes to Africa!  I love it.  More please!

JCHS Civil Rights Mural - FINISHED!

You guys!  It's finished!  I gotta say, I'm really proud of this one and the kids who painted it.  My last couple posts were about the process of painting this - starting out with a group brainstorming and designing session, learning about mixing paint values - now it's done!  

We had about 12 students working on this project every day after school for 11 days.  Some kids came every day, some didn't.   Teachers told me that the kids who were struggling in other ways,  connected more to the project than with anything else having to do with their school that they've seen.  It's a pattern that repeats itself over and over in my short history of being an art teacher - the kids who struggle socially and academically are often the kids who need and connect to arts experiences the most.  It is SO important.  

Not only that, but to give all kids the experience of accomplishment - of success in completing something and doing a nice job on it.  Yesterday we had a big celebration for the kids to show off their work.  There was a drawing for art supplies, snacks, and the whole staff and student body was invited, and many showed up to see the mural.  I could see on the kids' faces that they were proud.  Teachers are even planning a "gallery opening" evening event once the mural is installed on the wall, where the kids who were involved can invite friends and family.  I'm excited to go to that, too.  

Overall, this one was a really rewarding experience.  I feel like the subject matter (honoring people who have dedicated their lives to fighting to help others in some way) was beautiful and the execution of the piece was beautiful as well. I like the fact that this mural will be a good teaching tool for the school's social studies teachers for years to come.  Yay!  I want to work with more high schoolers and do mooooore! Ok, now....picture storm!

The whole thing: 4x16 feet

Susan B. Anthony

Gandhi

Cesar Chavez

 

Martin Luther King Jr.

Nelson Mandela

YES!