WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT:

I design and draw up a full size mural.  After the mural is drawn up,   the students of the school step in and, group by group, paint it themselves!

 HOW IT WORKS:

 I meet with the principal and whoever else is involved with the concept of the mural.  We discuss the  style, size, location, budgets, timetable and general logistics.  I’m available to meet at this stage without charge.  There is no obligation to proceed after this meeting.

 Once we’ve agreed to proceed, I go ahead with concept sketches of the proposed illustrations.  It’s  good to have one or two meetings during the design stage to make sure we’re on the right track.

 When the design is completed and approved, we put a plan in place which suits teachers, class  timetables and move to complete the final full size mural.  Before anything is done, I like to speak to all the students of the school group by group about the project.  We chat about the themes used and the general process I go through from concept to completion.  Generally, it’s a good idea to do this as it gives the students a chance to get excited about the whole project.

To bring the murals to full size, I project the line drawings onto prepared boards.  Once the line drawings are completed, the students are brought in, group by group, to paint.    With these murals, there are always easier areas which can be managed by smaller children.  The older ones may get the more complicated or detailed parts.  It’s all a very relaxed process where mistakes can be fixed and children are delighted to take part in the project.  It’s a fun process and very rewarding for all

EXAMPLE: CORPUS CHRISTI GNS, DRUMCONDRA

In a primary school of 400 children, we very fortunately had a vacant  classroom that we         were able to use solely for the project.    The mural was to go along the back wall of the playground.  It was painted onto  boards first and then fixed onto the wall.  This allowed work to be done, whatever the weather.

• The mural was a story in five sections.
• Each section was 1.5 metre tall by 3.6 metres wide.
• It was painted onto primed marine plywood.
• The mural had 6 colours (different shades of blues and greens)
• Starting with junior infants in groups of 5, each group came in, put on painting overalls over their uniforms, took off their shoes and were given a pot and small paintbrush.
• Smaller children painted for about 15 minutes.
• As the groups got older this was extended to 30 minutes.
• Once the whole mural was painted, I added some shading and went over all the lines once again to finish.
• The boards were varnished on both sides.
• The boards were cut to the organic shape according to the design.
• They were then placed on batons which were fixed to the wall

In the projects I have completed, it generally takes about a month to get all the children of the school to paint.  They come in for about a half hour at a time.  I work closely with the teachers to ensure the minimum disruption to their day.   From the beginning to the end it must be emphasised to the students that this is their project.  They will be the ones painting it and every student will get to do their bit!

                                    You can contact me on mobile: 086 168 8657 or email: carmentuohy@gmail.com