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July 2003 Project: Mural at the Columbus
Animal Control Shelter
When the Columbus Animal Control Shelter expressed an interest
in a mural, we knew we had a great project ahead of us. Artist
Catherine Burris agreed to work with us and began to plan
for the project. Residents at the Youth Services Shelter
were involved in the process of creating the mural from the
beginning. Burris created a packet of information for students
to read outlining the mural creating process. Residents were
asked to ponder the potential of the mural and what they
would like to see included in the painting.
In order to include residents unable to participate on the
mural site, Burris brought preparatory activities to the
center. Shelter, day treatment, and detention residents brainstormed,
sketched, and created patterns for the mural. Burris lead
everyone in creative visualization exercises and creativity
boosting activities.
After this week of preparation it was time to tackle the
mural. The Animal Control Shelter offered us three large
outside walls and a large inside wall. We decided to paint
all of them! After washing and priming the walls, Burris
drew background designs with chalk. After the first two days,
youth services residents had painted the entire background
for the outside murals. Using the patterns they made at the
center, students traced animals on the walls with chalk.
Each person selected their favorite animal, the color it
would be, and the pattern it would have. The animals were
placed on the walls to look as if they are peeking into the
windows. Animals above the front doors were drawn to appear
as if they are being released back to their new homes or
natural habitat.
While the outside work was going on, the inside mural was
also progressing. This painting would be more realistic and
depict habitats of the animals. The mural blends from morning,
afternoon, to nighttime. Residents began to paint the sky,
trees, and grass of the background. The animal patterns were
also used here to chalk animals on the walls.
Over three weeks of work, the murals were completed. Residents
expressed their satisfaction of a job well done as well as
disappointment that the project was over. We all had enjoyed
our time spent on the project.
The mural project at the Animal Control Shelter brought
a special lesson about animal rescue and adoption. The Youth
Services Center was able to create a relationship with the
Animal Shelter to arrange resident interaction with the animals
on a weekly basis. Residents went away with an appreciation
for animal adoption and a heart to tell others to adopt from
the shelter.
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