This project was such a blast to work on! I was the 2025 Artist in Residence at my youngest’s elementary school. The PTO wanted to do something interactive incorporating the school mascot and the Falcon Way, guidelines for behavior. Once we narrowed down the design to two options the kids got to vote. The winning design was a clear favorite incorporating the school forest and falcon front and center. The kids can have their picture taken with the falcon, first standing within his 8.5 foot wingspan and by the time they leave for middle school can in front and have their our wings!
As part of the Artist in Residence program, we incorporated two more elements to get the kids involved. I took the mural computer drawings and turned it into a coloring sheet that the school can use as an activity for the kids. We also started artist talks once the mural progressed to the “fun stuff”. During their art class, each student had a chance so come to the hallway I was working in. I talked a bit about myself, my business, and the mural but mostly I let them ask questions. Some were insightful, some silly, it was such a joy to talk about art and creativity with them.
While waiting for things to dry or classes to come chat, I had some little windows of time so I added a little bonus. I painted 10 creature groups into the background. The kids near the end would spot them and had a great time locating the rest.
Spirit Wear Update: The following fall I created a design for the school’s tye dye day. See the shirts here.
You Might Also Like… Forest Teachers’ Lounge – Birch Forest Bedroom – Lisa’s Grooming Salon
