In July 2022 we successfully completed another mural using mural fabric on a new surface: a plastic water tank!

 

Designed and lead by artist Hannah Day this mural was done in collaboration with School Garden Network to adorn the water tank located in the garden at Salmon Creek Middle School, while engaging young campers with ecological curriculum in a creative way. 

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We wrapped the tank (measuring about 40 feet in circumference and approximately 5.5 feet in height)  in painted waterways, and decked it out in paintings of plants and animals created by the 8-12 year olds who attended the summer camps held in the garden that month. The effect is a unique, hand-painted and cut paper, collaged story book, illustration-style mural. 

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Campers were lead in a six day workshop over the course of the month and Each camper picked out an organism from the ecosystem they were learning about at camp -Salmon Creek and the surrounding area - and created a colorful and expressive painting with the colors of their organism. Artstart artists and apprentices then cut these gorgeous abstract paintings into the silhouettes of the chosen animals and plants, and added a few outlines as a final touch. 

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Each camper placed their painted piece on the tank for the final step, and in so doing also learned the install process for this versatile and vital material in public art. Over all, more than sixty young children hand their hands on this mural process. In addition, 2 Artstart apprentices, and 3 WEX Arstart interns were mentored. 

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Emily, the camp director said about the mural: “The imagery tells the story of this years Garden Camp - plum crisps eaten under the willow tree, buzzing honey bees, towering sunflowers, and the cool flowing creek water.”

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Have a water tower you would like beautified by Artstart? Reach out to us! Your commission supports our mentorship program training and empowering young artists.