Hands-On Mural Course:
Hamilton High School
The Process:
Creative Brief.
Each mural we create is accompanied by a document that includes an explanation of the project, a plan and schedule, and any other pertinent information. This introduces each student to mural project management.
Planning & Design.
Every design is collaborative. Each mural project is accompanied by group discussions, brainstorming, and active sketching of ideas. Every project goes through the complete design process before it’s executed as a mural.
Execution.
While we work as a team, each individual is responsible for their contribution to the project. Project contributions make up a bulk of each student grade, with progress tracked using weekly progress sheets.
Why Murals.
Teaching kids to collaborate towards creating something bigger than themselves.
Paul Loehle initiated and designed the coursework for this comprehensive, hands-on, project based class in which students work together to create murals in chosen locations within Hamilton High School, Ohio.
Students learn about the process of creating murals and works of public art from the ground up: from brainstorming, sketching, planning and cooperation, wall-prep, basic and advanced painting techniques, as well as mural preservation.
This course was created for students of all ability levels who are interested in the real world impact of the arts.
Course Goals:
Understand and analyze the impact of public art
Develop skills in collaboration and organization toward a common goal
Evaluate the role of art as a catalyst for a variety of life skills
Discover a variety of art-related career paths
Develop skills in drawing and painting
Channel learning into a practical means of community improvement
Challenges We Solve:
Students and parents feeling wary about real-world applications of art, or future employment prospects
Misunderstanding the nature of art, its diverse applications, and its relevance to the development of a complete individual
Students feeling self-conscious or apathetic regarding their individual artistic abilities