The inspiration for this painting came about unexpectedly. I was invited to be part of a children’s mural project that will unfold this spring in a small historic town about 30 minutes from where I live. I’ve painted there before and was surprised with the outreach as I have never done a mural before, but was intrigued to say the least.
What appealed to me most was the sense of collaboration running through the project. I learned that 4 murals were going to be created. Each of the 4 artists would come up with a design based on one of 4 themes. The themes being – hope, love, peace and community. It felt so appropriately timed given the pandemic and all the happenings over this past year. Perhaps the most exciting thing for me was to learn that although each artist was going to create the design, 4th and 5th grade students from within the community would be doing the painting. I was hooked!
Details are continuing to be worked out and it seems given continued restrictions that the 4′ x 8′ murals will be cut up into squares so that each participating child will be able to paint a section at home. The pieces will then be re-assembled, like a mosaic, at the location where they are to reside.
The creativity in this is inspiring and I love how it connects youth to art, to their community and so much more. A peaceful reach exists here and I look forward to seeing the fruits of that extension.
Categories: Art Covid-19, Commissions, Landscapes, The Figure
CATHERINE J MARTZLOFF / Bright and Expressive Original Oil Paintings 
Love the collaboration, it’s what we all were meant to be at our best, at least in my perspective 😊. So terrific they thought of you! Will you be “on hand” when the children are painting?
I agree with you and that seems to be something I continue to learn. I won’t be on hand as they paint. They are going to cut the 4′ x 8′ panels up into squares so they can be given to the students to work on at home as a section. Many of the schools still are restricting contact so this is a way to work within the context of the pandemic. It’ also has a nice symbolic nature to it. (Apart, but together) This has also been helpful for me because I don’t have a car right now. I was happy to be able to participate given that limitation. Interestingly, in the past I might have turned the opportunity down upfront but I told them I don’t have transportation and they were still willing to work with me. 🙂
Oh wow, Cathy! What an exciting venture for these children!! I was just saying to myself that so much “new and improved” will be coming out of this past year as well as art and music that will touch every emotion we have and then some. I love your painting for I see in it hope that someday the world will embrace all with love, not fear. Thank you so much for this post. It really moved my heart. xo
Thanks Amy! I feel the same with the hope you describe. I have the 4′ x 8′ panel in my garage now to finish up the line drawing before it goes off to be cut up in sections. The students are going to be given a piece of the mural to paint at home since there are still many restrictions due to covid. It will be re-assembled and installed at a new municipal complex in the town that is supporting the project.
Incredible!!! Thank you for sharing this, Cathy! Makes my heart just glow!! xo
Thank you Amy!
I lo ve the use of your colours 😍😍😍
Thank you so much!