• Tanya Ray
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  • Added 17 Apr 2006
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Ocean Life Mural

In 2002 I met with Mrs. Riggin, a wonderful science teacher that wants the best possible learning for her students. We spoke of ways to expose the students to life beyond the Midwest and came up with the idea to paint a four part Marine life mural while incorporating science. We learned of the creatures that inhabit our oceans along with light, colors and reactions between. I was fortunate to work with Selma middle school students for a span of approx. 8 weeks painting a four part mural. We combined the studies of science, art & environment while painting the mural. We painted four parts of the ocean, from the shallow coral reefs to the deep blue waters all the while learning the living and feeding habits of what we painted. Two weeks into the painting students started to voice their desire to paint dolphin, so the following week I brought in a sketched panel with a dolphin fish (Mahi Mahi) and announced that we would be painting a dolphin fish! The students looked at me like I came from another planet, then learned a lot more than anticipated! We had a lot of fun while learning about our most precious oceans that eight weeks. The students achieved a very nice photo with a well done newspaper article. This was a great joy for me to share. As always, I thank all of you for your wonderful comments. The mural has become a permeant fixture of Mrs. Riggin's classroom for all to see.

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Deborah Martin 02 May 2006

Such a marvellous and wonderful story........and gives so much meaning to this wonderful Artwork Tanya!!!! Excellent!!!!

Nelly van Nieuwenhuijzen 24 Apr 2006

beautiful work!! love the colours and the size!!!!

Joseph Moran 19 Apr 2006

great project, great mural - like they say, it takes a community to raise a child - more people should participate - great example!

mark jorgenson 19 Apr 2006

beautiful and inspiring story behind the mural and a wonderful mural!

Analua 18 Apr 2006

So marvelous work Tanya!!!!