Dear fellow muralists,The purpose of me painting the murals was to beautify the hallways and to recognize and emphasize the diverse culture in the foreign language wing.
Nothing controversial was included. In other words, there was absolutely no reason for the vandalism whatsoever!
I remember there was one teacher who was quite supportive and appreciative of my handywork. Other teachers didn't care one way or another. On several occasions I did ask for input from the Spanish teacher, as well as a few teachers from other subjects. They contributed a few suggestions here and there. I included as many of their ideas as I could into the composition of each mural. So I did allow feedback from the teachers. That I can say.
As for the students, I know as a fact they do not know very much about the different cultures. I've always been interested in culture and have learned a great deal from my own independent research throughout my life.
The very first mural was a class project of five students, including myself. However, they made a mess of the hallway carpeting by spilling paint everywhere and not using the proper dropcloth provided. Two students, which were African-American, (take no offense) took that period to listen to their cd players and sit in the chairs, which were provided for the people who were actually painting. At the end of the school year, the murals looked semi-finished and not quite complete.
During the summer, after I graduated, I finished the mural(correctly), not to insult the other people, but because I have more experience painting than anyone there. I completed that mural in a month. After that, my volunteering went on to include two Spanish murals, and the Italian mural. This took me an additional three months.
As for maintaining them, as I said, I moved away from Florida. Now it is up to the school to look after them. If they want to allow vandalism, that's now their problem. The lowbrow administrators were of no help and basically a lost cause. That is a true reflection on how they run the school so incompetently.
I just want to inform future or experienced muralists, just like myself, of the risks and disadvantages of painting murals in public spaces. I appreciate any and all comments or suggestions you may have about the story above.
My mural business is now starting to become a success, and I enjoy it much better now because I actually make money, and my clients appreciate my masterpieces. What more could a muralist ask for?
D. Windseth