The 2012-13 Mural Exchange was the very first exchange for this program. While the program was still officially without a name (Murals Talk), the principals of the program were in place. In 2012 the East Coast was hit hard by a hurricane that caused major destruction to coastal towns from Florida toe Connecticut! One of the hardest his regions was Mastic Beach, Long Island, NY where you will find Tangier Smith Elementary School. A large majority of their student population was either displaced from their homes or facing months of habitat rehabilitation.
Students from Juniata Gap Elementary School, Altoona, PA learned all about the hurricane and the effect it had on those living in its destructive path. We discussed with them the power of art, and how uplifting it may be to those affected to have a gift such as this painting from their peers, especially ones they have never met!
The mural depicts a Phoenix rising from the chaos and destruction of the hurricane with handprints under its wings representing the helping hands of friends. Above the Phoenix is a beautiful coastal town that has been rebuilt with a sunset on the horizon and calm waters. This mural was painted completely by the 6th graders with minimal assistance from the artist beyond directives and the final black outlines. The mural was then taken to Tangier Smith where it was presented and dedicated to the school. While there, we worked with 5th graders to create a painting as an exchange. The mural painted depicts a raging storm being held abreast by a large tree whose foliage is the handprints of every 5th grader in TSE. The handprints once again representational of helping hands of friends. Under the tree you see the 2 elementary schools depicted with students hand-in-hand approaching the tree of friendship. We talked about how a tree represents friendship.
Trees are cyclical in nature. They are full of leaves, vibrant, and flourishing. Then color fades, leaves fall, and the tree can appear to have
lost its life and luster. But, the secret in a tree is that it is strongest at its core and still very much alive. In the spring, the tree once again
buds, blossoms, and flourishes. Much like the cycle of a tree, friendships can go through many phases, but the core is where they are the
strongest and reliable.
The painting created by Tangier Smith was then returned to Juniata Gap Elementary and both schools were able to Skype with each other in an assemble so both student populations could witness the positive effect their gesture had on the partner school! It was wonderful to see the faces of those involved and hear the stories of how participation in the exchange helped with the pain and loss the children were facing in Mastic Beach, and how the children in Altoona were able to experience empathy and relate without having gone through the tragedy directly.
Students from Juniata Gap Elementary School, Altoona, PA learned all about the hurricane and the effect it had on those living in its destructive path. We discussed with them the power of art, and how uplifting it may be to those affected to have a gift such as this painting from their peers, especially ones they have never met!
The mural depicts a Phoenix rising from the chaos and destruction of the hurricane with handprints under its wings representing the helping hands of friends. Above the Phoenix is a beautiful coastal town that has been rebuilt with a sunset on the horizon and calm waters. This mural was painted completely by the 6th graders with minimal assistance from the artist beyond directives and the final black outlines. The mural was then taken to Tangier Smith where it was presented and dedicated to the school. While there, we worked with 5th graders to create a painting as an exchange. The mural painted depicts a raging storm being held abreast by a large tree whose foliage is the handprints of every 5th grader in TSE. The handprints once again representational of helping hands of friends. Under the tree you see the 2 elementary schools depicted with students hand-in-hand approaching the tree of friendship. We talked about how a tree represents friendship.
Trees are cyclical in nature. They are full of leaves, vibrant, and flourishing. Then color fades, leaves fall, and the tree can appear to have
lost its life and luster. But, the secret in a tree is that it is strongest at its core and still very much alive. In the spring, the tree once again
buds, blossoms, and flourishes. Much like the cycle of a tree, friendships can go through many phases, but the core is where they are the
strongest and reliable.
The painting created by Tangier Smith was then returned to Juniata Gap Elementary and both schools were able to Skype with each other in an assemble so both student populations could witness the positive effect their gesture had on the partner school! It was wonderful to see the faces of those involved and hear the stories of how participation in the exchange helped with the pain and loss the children were facing in Mastic Beach, and how the children in Altoona were able to experience empathy and relate without having gone through the tragedy directly.
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How to support Murals Talk
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BY MAIL
Checks can be made payable to Murals Talk – CPCF and mailed to:
Murals Talk Foundation c/o Central PA Community Foundation 1331 11th Avenue Altoona, PA 16601 |
ONLINE
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Unless otherwise advised, CPCF will notify the Murals Talk Foundation of your donation and the amount.
More information about the CPCF can be found at www.centralpagives.org
More information about the CPCF can be found at www.centralpagives.org
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The Murals Talk Foundation is administered by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation.
For more information about the community foundation, visit www.centralpagives.org.
For more information about the community foundation, visit www.centralpagives.org.
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