For Immediate Release

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Winthrop Elementary School Students Work with Artist in Residence to Create Living Mural

MELROSE — The all purpose room at Winthrop Elementary School has taken on a completely different feel, thanks to a new living mural completed by students with the help of a Melrose artist in residence.

Artist Kris Rodolico, owner of Melrose’s Follow Your Art studio, worked with art teacher Kendra Robertson and kindergarten, first and second grade students throughout September and October to create the school’s first tile painting. The project was designed and funded by the Winthrop PTO.

The mural represents the school’s five core values — Respect, Effort, Achieve, Cooperation and Honesty (REACH). Approximately 240 students in the three grades designed clay stars to correspond with the overall theme of “REACH for the Stars.”

During the process, as Rodolico guided students while they rolled out clay, shaped it into stars and then painted them, she spoke about Winthrop’s values and how they aligned with the project. Students worked together with a partner to roll out the clay (effort and cooperation) and they respected the materials. Once completed, Rodolico brought the artwork to her studio to fire them in the kiln. The completed starts were then hung along a wall in the all purpose room, above a painting of a letter mountain. The finished product is an achievement by students.

“I was so impressed with the kids, the staff, and the parents who were part of this project,” Rodolico said. “I love community projects, and to be part of one with a consistent message and that had such a great team working together, is a gift.”

“It was great to have students work with an outside artist,” Robertson added. “Kris has inspired the students and myself by sharing her skills as a ceramic artist, and it was a true joy having her expertise for this project.”

The plan for the living mural is to have all incoming kindergarten students contribute to it, and when they graduate from the school in fifth grade, they’ll be able to take their piece with them.

“Our all purpose room has never looked better and I’m so incredibly proud of students for creating this beautiful mural that represents Winthrop’s REACH values,” Principal John Maynard said. “Students did a fantastic job working together to create a piece of artwork that will last for years to come. I’d like to thank the Winthrop PTO for making this happen and Kris Rodolico for taking time out of her busy day to work with students.”

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