Magnificent mural.

As with any school renovation, construction can take over and make lively hallways look dismal and subterranean. On returning from spring break last year, we were presented with a large (104' x 8' 7"; 31.5 x 2.6 m) wallboard wall. This long hallway was a perfect canvas! In order to discourage unwanted graffiti, I began a THree week long project that included every class in the school [almost 900 students).

A Mural Relay

We began with a theme that all children in grades K-5 could relate to. The result was an animal mural including jungle, zoo, endangered, and wild animals. The first class was a fifth grade. They sketched the largest animals in pencil. When proportions seemed in order, they began to paint black outlines. Each class took over where the last class left off. Animals, vegetation, and scenery changed as the weeks went on. Children attained real ownership of the mural after they had worked on it.

Working on a vertical surface with long handled brushes was a new experience, as was sharing in such a huge cooperative effort. It was interesting for students to see how their work changed as the weeks progressed. Most came back daily to see the exciting changes that happened with each new class.

Level by Level

With at least four classes at each grade level the challenge was to have a job for each class. Kindergarten worked on the bottom painting plants and rocks. Each grade level and class worked a bit higher with fifth and sixth grades painting near the top and adding shading and finishing details.

Painting was pretty free at first. As the mural filled, each class was given a specific assignment. It was practiced in the artroom and then added to the mural. Some classes began to paint more specific things like mushrooms, scorpions, ants, and flowers. Most students worked in pairs, moving around as they completed a specific areas.

Across from the mural, two long tables were set up with paints in ice cream tubs, brushes, water containers, rags, and picture files for reference.

Initially, each class had a discussion before painting. When starting, it was always rather hectic, but then it would settle into an excellent studio session. No one wanted to stop. It was a wonderful experience for all concerned. Children and staff came back day after day to see the progress. Students would bring parents to show them the spot "they" had painted. When it was done, the entire school body felt a terrific sense of accomplishment about "their mural."

Karen Allard is an art teacher at Spring Hill Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia.