It has been a pure joy to work on this recent mural project for Jefferson Elementary School. They are one of three schools chosen in the Houston area this year to receive a Carson Reading Room, which was donated by Dr. Ben Carson through his organization, the Carson Scholars Fund.
Dr. Carson (pictured left) is known for many exceptional accomplishments, but having researched him, I was amazed to find a most generous foundation that caters to children and young adults, offering precious opportunities they may never have found otherwise. Equally impressive are his professional achievements, which are way too long to list here, but I have linked his worthy name to a short video, which quickly sums up his amazing life thus far.
Candy Carson, Melanie White & Dr. Ben Carson
I was called by Melanie White, a delightful, energetic woman, who is part of the administration at Jefferson Elementary. She informed me that another member of the school’s administration saw a mural I had painted last summer for Ethel R. Coop Elementary. After meeting and discussing the idea with Melanie, and another meeting with a rough sketch and my proposal, I began to work on the 15’x 8’ mural on Tuesday, April 17th, and finished it on Monday, April 23, 2012.
Along with the mural was a sign that was placed on the outside of the building with the words “Carson Reading Room”. I decided to paint two children holding a banner with these words, giving it some color as well as tying it in with the mural theme just inside the door.
I guess it is apparent how much I love doing children’s murals. I think it is my nature to paint in a whimsical fashion, so it comes easier for me. In my fine art, I struggle with this natural desire, as I wish
to create something that does not look like it should be in a children’s book, but for a project like this, my inner child happily submits!
Today was the dedication/ceremony with Dr. Carson attending, as I was graciously invited to join the event. I was so impressed upon meeting this legendary, giving man, along with his lovely wife, Candy. What an inspiration they both were for these children, as they provided funding to create a room dedicated to these curious, developing minds. With a book to read, young minds can journey into a new story – into another world … into anything is possible.
Today was the dedication/ceremony with Dr. Carson attending, as I was graciously invited to join the event. I was so impressed upon meeting this legendary, giving man, along with his lovely wife, Candy. What an inspiration they both were for these children, as they provided funding to create a room dedicated to these curious, developing minds. With a book to read, young minds can journey into a new story – into another world … into anything is possible.
As Dr. Carson sat in front of these small children, he told them a brief story about his life as a young boy to his present day life. They were eagerly listening, but really livened up when he spoke of some of his patients who needed delicate brain surgery. When he asked if there were any questions, quite a few small, excited hands raised, their thoughts racing to grasp what they just heard.
The ceremony was sweet and simple, with the much dedicated Principle, Mr. Kerry Hamilton, (pictured right) guiding it along, joined by some staff members and teachers, as well as an attending Houston Chronicle journalist/photographer
(Brett?), capturing the event. Hope to post the link to an article later.
As I contemplate getting back into my studio, a part of me still has one foot in the door of the imaginary world in the Jefferson Elementary Reading Room, while the other is ready to place itself back into ‘The Unseen’ – a series on immigrants/migrant workers living and working in this country. My inner child deeply loves this work, as it challenges and satiates my creative voice – my need to commutate a message.
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