The principal at Miller Elementary, Mrs. Hession, will meet with Muralism's Ernie Merlan, another Muralism artist, and Melissa Thompson on either 03/03/23 or 03/10/23 at the school. At this point we will better be able to determine a timeline for the project. Proposal of 2 paint days involving special needs students and the graduating 5th graders. Will engage with all students in the planning process, sharing of information about the theme, and collecting submissions of artwork.
The seed funding for this project will primarily go toward printing costs and refreshments during paint days.
The theme of our mural will be Honoring Native Lands, working with a Chumash artist associated with Muralism as well as the Tongva people in our community. We aim to educate faculty, staff, and students about the history of the land where Miller Elementary now stands, the traditions and cultures of Native Americans, and how we can honor and celebrate diversity - and our Earth - in respectful and inclusive ways. The students at Miller Elementary will be invited to express their knowledge, ideas, and feelings through art by submitting ideas for our mural. The graduating 5th grade classes will be invited to participate in painting the wall(s) along with students of all ages who are differently-abled both mentally and physically. Our goal is to spread awareness about how we can work together, not despite our differences, but because of them; learning more about our land, our community, and ourselves makes us stronger together.
The space for the mural is called 'Off Courtyard Under Walkway', a long low wall that will be easily reached to paint by fifth graders in a highly trafficked area of campus. A second wall may be included with additional funding. Muralism will assist with communication re: permissions from BUSD Facilities.
