So declares the new mind blowing 7’x26’ foot mural adorning a wall of the entry hall at Henry High School. It embellishes the thoughts and artistry of 26 ninth-12th graders enrolled in the mural class of the final semester of the 2021-2022 school year. My reaction to being in this same space of this creation, made me want to dance on my toes. Upon learning from the class instructor, Emily Krikava, about the symbols of each component, I was put in a place of joy. Furthermore, hearing about the process of creating this work of art, I have the highest level of admiration for the students and their teacher.
“The process is the product,” as my dear friend and Northside colleague Brother Shane Price declares. The process for this endeavor was to: Research murals on Google and in books; learn about the process of mural making; make three small murals; create vision boards that students felt represented themselves, their school, and their schoolmates; make a list of words that represent their community and vote on a final three; create a background for the mural that incorporates activities within the school; draw and paint butterflies with cultural colors of student body members to “attach” throughout the masterpiece; and installation of the mural on the wall.
According to Krikava, several students were at the beginning of this process, skeptical and not very confident, but this diminished with the building of excitement as time went on, and especially during the painting time. They were cheered on by then Principal Yusuf Abdullah who even joined them painting one day.
Reactions to Facebook photos of the mural include: “WOW!!! Is incredible” (Kara); “Absolutely beautiful” (Maria); “Gorgeous! Can’t wait to see it” (Rosa); “This mural is amazing and those students have a great teacher” (Paris); “Absolutely amazing” (La Rhonda); and “AWESOME! Can’t wait to see it in person” (Alex).
Open House: Thursday, September 1, 4-7 p.m. Come and view the mural!
First day of school at Henry High: Tuesday, September 6.
First Friday: the afternoon of Friday, September 9. If you or your organization would like to share information about an activity you are promoting for students, send an email to Marcus.Zachery@mpls.k12.mn.us or call him at 612-668-2000. Tables/booths will be available with prior request.
Art instructor Emily Krikava sends heartfelt thanks for the following individuals who inspired and assisted her with the mural endeavor: Paris Berry, Elissa Cedarleaf-Dahl, Melody Strong and Leo Krikava