School: Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Class: Painting
Instructor: Kimberly Ruttan
Client: NW Principle, Lisa Gruman
Problem: How can we use public art to accurately and inclusively represent the diverse history of our local community?
Summary
In response to a request from Principal Lisa Gruman, the painting class collaborated with the AP History class and local muralist Katie Lee to redesign a culturally exclusive and partly historically inaccurate mural spanning three walls of the NW hallways. After evaluating the existing mural’s issues, students decided to recreate it entirely, narrowing the focus to Kansas City history. The redesigned mural will feature distinct walls themed around landmarks, events, and notable people. Though the project’s scope was too broad to complete within one semester, students finalized four detailed design proposals, which were presented to the principal. These designs are now under review by administrators and community leaders for potential implementation.
Takeaways
Students communicated with a real client, including navigating setbacks. Researched, developed, and empathized with the audience. Generating and conceptualizing artistic ideas and work and presenting them to a client were essential breakthroughs students achieved.
Advice
Plan simplified expectations to allow for disruptions, and have multiple clients and experts lined up in the instance something goes awry.
Standards/Learning Targets
- CN11 – We related artistic ideas with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
- RE9 – Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
- CR1-Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
- CR2—Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- PR4-Analyze, interpret, and select artistic work for presentation