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Artist Shares Significance of Multicultural Mural
This project included a 10-Day Artists-in-Residency with Rodrigo Alvarez and Isaac Tapia. These artists worked with students in our English Language Development (ELD) Program to design and paint a 10’x40’ mural, emphasizing the cultural and linguistic diversity of Parkview students both past and present. It will stand as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion for years to come.
Click this link to see a video of the artist describing the significance of the mural.
This mural was supervised by two artists who are immigrants themselves and could empathize with the students while also demonstrating what their life could become if they persist and keep pushing forward. This collaboration included three main student groups: 67 ELD students, 20 Advanced Art students, and 100 Art Foundations students.
In late August or early September, students brainstormed ideas for the mural and conveyed their vision to the artists via Zoom. By late September, Rodrigo and Isaac drafted a design based on this input. The design was submitted to administration for feedback and approval.
On day 1 of the project, resident artists sketched out the design. Throughout the process, they engaged students in discussions about being professional artists, their philosophy, and their experiences as fellow immigrants, and invited students to share their stories, as well. One of the goals of these discussions was to help students incorporate elements of their cultural identities, experiences, and passions into the mural, and therefore into the school community. Days 2-6, students worked alongside the artists color blocking in the mural. Students in art classes were also invited to participate in the project. Days 7-10 included fine details and touch-ups.
During the process, multiple stakeholders such as members from the SPS Department of Diversity and Inclusion, school board members, and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks visited the mural to discuss the project with the artists and the students.
Artist Shares Significance of Multicultural Mural
Parkview High School, Springfield, MO
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