Friday, May 16, 2014

Local artist helps Lindbergh Schweitzer students create mural

Working with parent volunteer Emily Dolton, owner of Art, Murals, Design and Wall Treatments, the students in rooms 46 and 47 at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School knew there would be art involved.

Portion of mural One of the most popular children's books this year, The Day The Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, inspired Dolton to create the project. In the book, the crayons writel letters to Duncan, the crayons' owner, expressing their anger. Dolton had the students read the letters aloud then handed out Popsicle sticks with a color on one side and a place (sky, land, sea) on the other.

The students then drew something they would find in their place and colored it with that main color crayon. Emily then cut out and glued the objects to a painted background she created. The result is a beautiful colorful landscape filled with rainbows, airplanes, fish, volcanoes, cars, snakes, mermaids, boats, hot air balloons, helicopters, clouds, jellyfish and more.

The mural now has a permanent spot in the East Campus hallway.

Reaching students through stories and art is a passion for Dolton, a mother of two, who serves the school in many artistic ways. Not only does she disguise herself on Read Across America Days as The Cat in the Hat, or The Grinch, she has painted murals on the playground, murals in staff lounges and most recently, the breezeway poles at the entrance to the school.