INTRODUCTION
After two years of restricted in-person learning and covid related troubles, this season at the Rainforest Art Project, we could not wait to hit the ground running.
A wise man once said “Creativity doesn't wait for the perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments”; through unusual circumstances we have learned that there is nothing more powerful than imagination and the will to create in shaping our environments, caring for our communities and forging a brighter future. We are grateful for our team and creative family’s continued dedication to nurturing a love for learning and creativity.
IMPERIAL VALLEY & ARIZONA
Numbers at a glance:
250 Students involved 12 Projects completed 9 Schools
1. Theodore Roosevelt School
We are so happy to welcome the Theodore Roosevelt School into the Rainforest Art Project family as our first ever ‘markers’ school in Arizona! Young Apache students from the White Mountain Apache Nation created this year's Tribal Seal mosaic with the support of Principal Wilkerson, Beth Johnson, Britney Dystra & Mrs. George.
For more check out the slideshow below:
2. Barbara Worth Junior High School
This year Barbara Worth Junior High finished the large-scale mosaic mural they began in 2019 based on their very own bobcat mascot. We were so happy to be back after COVID related delays! Students participated in the making of this artwork with the incredible support of Ms. Rodriguez & Principal Marmolejo. We were so honored to add to the campus’ collection of ‘Bobcat Pride’ mosaics. Go Bobcats!
For more check out the slideshow below:
3. Miguel Hidalgo Elementary School
Miguel Hidalgo Elementary School was also inspired by their mascot this year. Their mosaic medallion prominently features the School’s Hidalgo Hawk! An incredible 72 young ASES makers took part in the creation of this masterpiece under the guidance of MS. Velasco & Principal Jones.
For more check out the slideshow below:
4. Imperial County Office of Education Valley Academy
ICOE Valley Academy drew from colorful landscapes and their Jaguar logo when designing this year’s art piece. The bright sun, rich shades of blue and beautiful flowers provide the perfect backdrop for the jaguar’s silhouette. Senior Director Vitela & Teacher Mr. Munoz helped 10 talented students bring their big ideas to life.
For more check out the slideshow below:
5. Phil D. Swing Elementary School
With the support of Principal Casey, almost 30 ASES students worked on Phil D. Swing’s new mosaic mural this year! The design features the school's panther logo as well as abstract and colorful geometric patterns. Students selected inspirational phrases and school values to etch into the glass including “hard work” and “loyalty” and “confidence”.
For more check out the slideshow below:
6. J.W. Oakley Elementary School
This year J.W. Oakley Elementary drew from their otter mascot and its habitat when designing their mosaic mural. Students from the ASES program created detailed sketches which became the foundation of the design and composition. Ms. Marcial, Ms. Bucio and Principal Garcia oversaw the participation of 41 eager young artists throughout the course of the project. The resulting masterpiece exemplifies the importance of connection and togetherness!
For more check out the slideshow below:
7. Kennedy Middle School
Kennedy Middle School’s beautiful new wayfinding mosaic mural is now installed around the doorway of their library’s entrance! The Art teacher, Ms. Marcuson was integral to the completion of this project. Almost 50 students participated in the making of this artwork and it will instill school pride in students each time they pass through the threshold for years to come!
For more check out the slideshow below:
8. Sunflower Elementary School
After Covid-related delays we are so excited to announce the completion of 4 incredible mosaic projects this year at Sunflower Elementary! The mosaics include one school pride medallion and three way finding murals for the office, main office and library. Each is inspired by Sunflower Elementary’s bright and lovely mascot, the sunflower! ASES students had their hands full completing 4 mosaics with the continued support of Principal Quiroz. We could not be happier to finally showcase these beautiful finished masterpieces!
For more check out the slideshow below:
9. Holtville High School
Holtville High School’s new Library mosaic was created this year to honor the memory of beloved school librarian, Mary Sperber. The mosaic was masterfully constructed by the Holtville High Art Club. This artwork will act as a way finding device to lead eager young readers to the Holtville High Library!
For more check out the slideshow below:
San Diego & Poway
Numbers at a glance:
1159 Students involved 10 Projects completed 10 Schools
1. Joyner Elementary School
Joyner Elementary School created an incredible sculpted bench complete with 360 degrees of mosaics on all sides! ASES students were inspired by their jaguar mascot, flowers & natural landscapes in their design drawings. Each student prototype was analyzed and included by lead artist Vanessa Machin to create the fun and colorful final design. Inspirational quotes like “we rise by lifting others” and “you can do anything you dream of” were selected by students to uplift their peers and future generations of young learners. We extend our thanks and appreciation to teachers Charity Silvas, Chelsea Wilber, Diana Morales, Imelda Tiong, Maricella Cruz, Monalisa Caldwell, Pamela Maidens-Lhuillier, Veronica Lias and especially ASES lead, Elva Perry and Principal Kuchemba. This project was made possible with generous support from the VAPA Foundation.
For more check out the slideshow below:
2. Edison Elementary School
Edison Elementary School made a mosaiced masterpiece based on their eagle mascot with an unconventional twist. Students created colorful drawings filled with abstract patterns and geometric shapes when brainstorming for the design of Edison’s new ‘wing’ artworks. With the support of Principal Lee, Lead Artist Ralph Young and teachers Carlos L. Bribiesca, Mary L. Delgado, Jennifer L. Oliger and Tabatha Footman-Robertson, almost 100 4th and 5th grade students participated in the making of Edison’s newest campus masterpiece. Thank you to Price Charities and Vapa foundation for your continued support.
For more check out the slideshow below:
3. Franklin Elementary School
This year’s “Across The Universe” wayfinding mosaic will help guide Franklin Elementary students and staff to the library building. The artwork’s cosmic theme celebrates the school’s unique STEAM educational program which combines science, technology, art and math to promote multifaceted creative thinking. 3rd through 5th grade students participated in the making of this ‘out of this world’ project. Thank you to lead Artist Ralph Young and Franklin’s Principal and teachers. This project was made possible with generous support from the VAPA Foundation.
For more check out the slideshow below:
4. Hamilton Elementary School
This year Hamilton Elementary School created a multi-mosaic artwork showcasing their school’s key values of love, community, growth, excellence and advocacy. Student’s drawings were combined to create a single comprehensive design which will be displayed at the school’s main entrance for all to see! With the help of Principal Daley, Lead Artist Thais Gonzalez and teachers Ava Aldcroft, Carlos Ramirez, Shannon Skuce, Roberta Villalobos almost 100 young makers participated in the making of this beautiful work! This project was made possible with generous support from the VAPA Foundation.
For more check out the slideshow below:
5. Riley Elementary School
Riley Elementary completed 2 amazing benches which had been on hold due to COVID. Both benches are inspired by the ocean and sea creatures! Students completed both beautiful benches with the support of teachers Jana Wagner and Jeremy Parson, lead artist Thais Gonzalez and Principal Busch!
For more check out the slideshow below:
6. Rowan Elementary School
This year Rowan Elementary School worked on a large scale mosaic mural featuring their roadrunner mascot in its desert habitat! This year Rowan Elementary School worked on a large scale mosaic mural featuring their roadrunner mascot in its desert habitat! This gorgeous artwork based off of student drawings and inspirational quotes will perfectly match last year’s school pride medallion. 2nd through 5th grade students created this mural with the help of teachers Julianne Bredestege, Melissa Campbell, Dyan Littman and Brooke Melling, lead artist Ralph Young and Principal Weber.
For more check out the slideshow below:
7. Normal Heights Elementary School
Normal Heights Elementary took on an incredibly ambitious art project this year featuring 18 magnificent letter mosaics which spell ‘Normal Heights Hawks’. The letters are beautifully displayed on the student stage to evoke school pride and encourage student creativity! Young makers created all sorts of design drawings which were later each analyzed and incorporated into the design by lead artists Vanessa Machin and Thais Gonzalez. 1st through 5th grade students completed this large scale work with the continued support of Principal Aguilar & Counselor Alabanza.
For more check out the slideshow below:
8. Marcy School
We are so excited to welcome the Marcy School Mustangs into the RAP family this year! After many COVID-related delays we were finally able to work with students one-on-one to complete Marcy School’s first ever mosaic piece, a classic school pride medallion inspired by their mascot. Talented students worked in class as well as independently to complete this project with the help of lead artist, Vanessa Machin, and the unwavering support of Mrs. Kane & Principal Busch.
For more check out the slideshow below:
9. Euclid Elementary School
Euclid Elementary began an ambitious two year mosaic sculpture project this year which features the school’s eagle mascot perched upon a world globe. Students created their very own designs for this project by making 3D prototypes using air drying clay and paint! With help from Principal Valdez, lead artist Ralph Young and teachers Mrs. Carol Trang Tuyet Manivone, Ms. Hilda Rodriguez Babick and Mr. Miguel Lerma.
For more check out the slideshow below:
10. Valley Elementary School
We are incredibly proud to call Valley Elementary a new addition to our RAP family and the first ever Poway Unified School District school we have ever worked with! This year’s mosaic bench sculpture features details from a range of student designs inspired by tigers, flowers, nature & sunshine! Student ideas can be seen all the way around the bench’s completely mosaiced surface. 3rd through 5th grade students volunteered to complete this masterpiece with the generous support of Principal Cecena, Lead Artists Thais Gonzalez and Vanessa Machin and Mrs. Aparis, Mrs. Asher, Mr. Briggs, Sra. Carrasco, Sra. Chavez, Sra. Garza, Sr. Jimenez, Mrs. Jones, Sra. Maranto, Sra. Perucho-Green, Sra. Romero, Sra. Ruvalcaba, Mrs. Salehi and Dra. Wright. Big thank you to Nila Boquín, Monica Landeros and Monica Valdez of the Valley Elementary PTA who made this project possible with their tireless dedication and encouragement and the City of Poway who supported our vision from the start!
For more check out the slideshow below:
Northern California
Numbers at a glance:
172 Students involved 11 Projects completed 9 Schools
1. Caldwell Park
This year several schools collaborated to bring this large scale mosaic sculpture to Caldwell Park. Students from across Redding, including the University Preparatory School, Tree of Life International Charter School, Redding School of Arts & Shasta High School worked together with lead artist, Leanna Lunsford to bring this artwork to life. Kids were inspired by local landscapes & wildlife. Student designs showcased a love for color, dragonflies and their local communities. Stay tuned! We can't wait to finish this masterpiece next year.
For more check out the slideshow below:
2. Children’s Community Charter School
Children’s Community Charter School created a school pride mosaic medallion this year inspired by their mascot, the hawk! 65 talented young students participated in the making of this medallion with the help of lead artist Joanne Laoretti. Thank you to The Paradise Rotary Club for their generous support!
For more check out the slideshow below:
3. Pine Ridge Elementary School
Pine Ridge Elementary School completed 1 of its 4 ongoing mosaic mural projects this year. The school's ambitious mosaic projects include several mosaic murals based on student drawings of local birds! These artworks will each be displayed on the library and different classroom buildings to assist in wayfinding for teachers and students. They will also add color and personality to the campus. We are so happy to finally see the 'Woodpecker' mural complete after many COVID related delays. These gorgeous artworks were made possible through the instruction of lead artists Joanne Laoretti and Leanna Lunsford and by the generous support of North Valley Community Foundation. We can't wait to continue creating next year!
For more check out the slideshow below:
4. Paradise Ridge Elementary School
Paradise Ridge Elementary School and lead artists Leanna Lunsford and Joanne Laoretti had their hands full with multiple projects this year! Students worked on 2 beautiful mosaic artworks for their new campus including a large scale eagle sculpture inspired by the school mascot and mosaic letters which will spell out the school’s motto, ‘we will soar’. Student designs drew from local landscapes and themes of school pride. When complete the eagle sculpture will stand at a massive 8.5 feet tall! We are eager to finish these works in the coming year. Thank you, Principal Ed Gregorio for sharing our passion for arts education.
For more check out the slideshow below:
5. Cedarwood Elementary School
Cedarwood Elementary School was also finally able to complete a project delayed by COVID this year! The Cedarwood Bear Medallion was completed by talented young makers with the help of lead artist, Leanna Lunsford. We couldn't be happier with the results!
For more check out the slideshow below:
6. Ridgeview High School
This year Ridgeview High created a mosaic medallion inspired by their mascot, the wolverine! Under the guidance of lead artist Joanne Laoretti, Talented high school students completed this stunning work to be displayed on campus with the words ‘Home of the Wolverines’. This masterpieces will inspire school pride for years to come!
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