Jean Vanier Catholic Intermediate School, Vanier (Ottawa) Mural Subject: “Plants and animals in our schoolyard”

This 6’ x 24’ mural was placed on the exterior wall of the school, behind an island of greenery in an otherwise barren schoolyard. Doing so gave an illusion of depth to the greenery, by echoing the trees and other plants growing in this island. A student added that as their green space lost its leaves in the fall, the painted version would emerge and remain throughout the winter as a colourful reminder of the life in the yard.

Preliminary sketch Students painting

Above: View of detail

Left: The finished mural

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Elementary Catholic School, Ottawa Mural Subject: “Species at Risk in Ottawa”

The school community chose to depict some of the 48 at-risk species in Ottawa. A wetland habitat was chosen for the mural to help raise awareness about the plight of wetland species. Due to limited space and time, not all species could be included, but the mural now serves as a springboard for follow-up educational activities on, for example, the consequences to area species of draining wetlands for residential development and roads.

Preliminary sketch Students painting

Above: View of detail

Left: The finished mural

Elementary School Mural Projects in Pictures(Supplement for “Directed Outdoor Murals on Schools” from Green Teacher #93, Summer 2011)

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