Mural, Connections Gallery unveiled at Roosevelt

Middle school and high school students collaborate on art projects

“You guys have done so much for Roosevelt,” stated Candida Gonzalez as she presented artists Greta McClain and Claudia Valentine with school t-shirts. “We want you to be teddies forever.” (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

by Tesha M. Christensen

  

 “Tonight we’re here celebrating two big projects,” said Roosevelt High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator Candida Gonzalez on Wednesday evening, May 28, 2014.

Two pieces of artwork were added at Roosevelt this spring: a mural in the front entryway and the Connections Gallery on the front lawn. The Connections Gallery is still under construction.

EMBODYING THE SCHOOL MOTTO

The mural was created under the leadership of artist Greta McClain and her assistant Claudia Valentino in partnership with school art teachers and students.

The portraits of several students are part of this mixed-media mural that combines paint and mosaic pieces.  Five languages are featured, reflecting the student body and those who worked on the project.

In February, students drew their ideas out on large poster paper. Then, McLain drew up the overall design and students used her drawings to assemble the mosaic parts of the piece. Roosevelt students worked on it on Mondays and Thursdays, Green Central Students on Tuesdays and Sanford students on Wednesdays. Students from Northrup also participated. In April, the drawing was transferred to the wall of the front entryway and the painting began. The mosaic parts, featuring colored tile, dishes, mirrors, marbles and glass pieces, were added next.

“They took the IB learner profile attributes, they imagined what they’d look like, and they put them on the wall,” stated Gonzalez.

Gilles Mally, a junior at Roosevelt High School who is originally from Africa, was honored on May 28 for working on the mural every day till the end of the day.

“Gille embodies our motto at Roosevelt,” stated Gonzalez. “Enter to learn. Leave to serve.”

“It’s my way to help the community,” stated Mally.

Gonzalez noted that when she first viewed the question now above the front doorway -- “How will I impact my world?” -- she started crying. “I think the effect its going to have on students will be noticeable,” stated Gonzalez. “The questions are so thought provoking and really evoke the kind of experiences we want kids to have at Roosevelt.”

“This is how school spaces can change,” agreed Roosevelt art teacher Jaci Smolund.

Lindsay Walz of Creative Hearts is excited about how the mural will bring the neighborhood and school community together more. She pointed out that it sets a vibrant and energetic tone to the school right away when people walk inside.

“I loved the making of it because it pulls people in,” stated muralist McClain. Each person who works on the project then wants to take care of the place and take ownership, she added.

A great part of every mural project she embarks upon is that “there’s something for everyone,” she said. 

The mural at Roosevelt was special for her because she actually stepped back for part of it when she gave birth to her first child. “Leadership rose up. I loved that,” said McClain. 

CONNECTED BY ART

The Connections Gallery installation on the front lawn is a permanent structure with changeable components that Roosevelt, Minneapolis Public Schools and the community can use to make connections through art. Artwork from community members and students will be featured on a rotating basic inside 14 metal frames that are divided into smaller cells of acrylic panels.

The idea for the gallery was sparked by students in 2012. It was created in collaboration with Forecast Public Art and Seward artist Randy Walker (who was selected by students). In addition to a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and an anonymous donor, 152 community members donated $8,583 through a Kickstarter Campaign.

“I really love the Connections Gallery,” said Walz. “It will enrich the neighborhood and be a source of inspiration for passersby.”

Flynn Piper was one of the third graders from Northrup who came over to Roosevelt one day to work on the mural. “It was fun,” said Piper. “I learned that it is very fun and hard to crack the plates.” (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

 

Roosevelt health teacher Kari Anderson (left), student Shalaya Love and student Raziel Rayland read a poem composed by students during the unveiling on May 28, 2014. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Story published in the July Edition of the Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.