In the span of a week in October, a 67-foot stretch of wall near the Wampus Elementary School cafeteria was transformed from plain white cinder blocks into a beautiful, vibrant mural bursting with school spirit and pride.
The exciting project was created with the input and artistry of Wampus students who painted alongside muralist Joe Pimentel.
“This mural brings so much beauty and school pride to Wampus,” Principal David Mack said. “It was amazing to see our students brainstorm ideas for the design and paint it with our visiting artist. It is a wonderful representation of the Wampus community and the strength behind it.”
This project-based learning opportunity was a special chance for students to put their art skills into practice on a large work of art that will beautify Wampus and build unity for years to come.
What goes into the making of a Wampus artist?
The art curriculum at Wampus gives students many chances to develop their artistic voices as they engage in the creative process.
“Our comprehensive art program encourages students to expand their perceptions of art and discover the many roles art plays in society,” art teacher Katherine Constantine said. “Students are introduced to traditional and unconventional forms of art, they explore a variety of techniques and concepts, and are challenged to use their imagination as they experiment and create.”
In third grade, students study the collage work of Henri Matisse and explore organic shapes to create a collage project that mimics lines found in nature. They also study frottage, drawing and painting.
Fourth graders explore the ways art is perceived and art as a form of self-expression through a study of nonobjective abstraction, or work that is purely abstract. They study Helen Frankenthaler’s color-stain paintings and paint a wet watercolor piece in the style. They also explore communication through visual imagery and symbol-making.
The technical and conceptual aspects of art-making are studied in fifth grade. Students learn about shape, value and composition. They are also introduced to the way artists use sound and performance as a means of artistic expression.
Before a single brushstroke was painted for the new mural, Wampus students studied the history of mural-making, and viewed murals from periods including the Stone Age, Antiquity, the Renaissance, Mexican Muralism and contemporary life.
Students also attended an assembly in the spring with Mr. Pimentel and were captivated by the story of how he became a muralist and seeing his work.
Wampus students were asked to think of ways to visually represent their school and the surrounding community. Mr. Pimentel interpreted their ideas and sketched the mural, which features many Wampus symbols including the Bobcat, Field Day and the Buddy Bench.
During the week of Oct. 16, small groups of students, selected from a lottery from each homeroom, painted under the direction of Mr. Pimentel. Working with acrylic paint, sometimes sitting on the floor or standing on a ladder, students brought their designated area of the mural to life.
Students loved creating art in the center of the school, for all to see.
“It’s cool I can be a part of this,” said fifth grader Anna Detmer. “I’m happy for everyone that gets to see this.”
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” third grader Ricky Arguello said. “Paint a mural that people can see.”
Another third grader, William Snyder, said he liked working with a professional artist and felt proud to have a hand in the mural. “It feels really good because I’ve always wanted to paint a big thing for everyone to look at and admire,” he said.
The mural was made possible by the generosity of the Byram Hills Education Foundation, and Ms. Constantine and retired fourth grade Wampus teacher Cathleen Oliveto, who both donated the money from their Teacher Recognition Award to the project.