The Identity Project: Transforming our School

Riverside Central Elementary students and community partners have been on a year-long journey to create a mural that is representative of our students, our school and our community. This process included two week-long artist residence experiences for all students during their art class. Student photos were taken by DM Creative Design and Banks Photos. Then students designed their own unique mini mural. All 500 of these student pieces were then displayed at the MN Children’s Museum where over 8,000 people viewed them. Using these works of art, Goodspace Murals integrated student design elements and images into a mural draft. Our students, families and community provided feedback and the final design was created. Lastly, our students were able to actually “paint by number” on the mural during the second residency. We concluded our fall with a Community Paint Party at the Rochester Farmers Market where roughly 500 people participated in painting. Our final product is being installed now, please come check it out this amazing piece.

Mural being painted on the brick wall of a building.
Mural being painted on the brick wall of a building.
Mural being painted on the brick wall of a building.
Mural installation on the side of a brick school building.

A big thank you to our partners!

This opportunity is made possible through the generosity of our community; including SEMAC, 21st Century Grant, Rochester Area Foundation, TimelapseCameras, Turnaround Arts Minnesota, United Way of Olmsted County, Think Bank, Rochester Framing and Fine Art Printing, Rochester Community Ed, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, Youth Services of America, the Lundak Family, Helen Roland & Family, Donna Greason Family, Michelle & Jon Baines and in loving memory of Kim Weyenberg & Ann Storch.

Explaining the Vision.

With a big project in the works, Riverside looked to the Rochester community for help with their project. Since this was no easy task, Riverside created a video to help explain their goal and portray their vision of their school.

A Brush for All.

Riverside saw the importance in the community aspect of their mural and knew one artist would not be enough. Instead, Riverside invited their community to join in the artwork to help create this one-of-a-kind piece.