Artwork > Community Mural Projects > Intergenerational/Adult Projects
Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham “Windows to Nature” 2018
In 2018 I facilitated a multigenerational community mural in a parking garage that was designed and painted by the Dedham High School Art Club together with residents of Newbridge on the Charles - an independen living program for older adults. The mural offers an imagined look through the windows to the natural beauty of the Charles River and hopes to bring the peace and energy of nature to all those who pass by. Many thanks to art teacher Courtney Teixiera for her assistance with the design, painting, and facilitation of the project, and to Lynda and Marianna and the Adam and Matan Adelson Multigenerational Program for their support of this project. Read below for the words of one of the participating students, that she shared at the mural's dedication:
Hello all, my name is Leen-Ashley, I am the president of the Dedham High Art Club. I, just like most here, was drawn to this mural project as I believed it to be a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something that could be of substance, something that would have meaning to somebody and could make their day a little brighter. And was not going to be a project to just fill up the club’s time until the end of the school year. The mural project was an experience like no other. Not many people my age could say they got to paint on a wall when it was allowed or had the chance to bring a vision like this into reality. I feel that this experience has allowed me to explore my artistic abilities, build connections between generations, learn different aspects of painting, and be able to better understand how to work in a group to make one cohesive piece. We were able to speak with the residents, learn from them and share ideas. For example, at our first meeting at Newbridge I was so enlightened by a resident’s interpretation of earth, nature, colors and movement that I finally I understood how someone could choose the world they see and see the world they choose. From participating I was able to make irreplaceable memories like our witnessing of a one-hundred year old artist paint beautifully straight from her imagination or when we had a gallery walk of a resident’s craft collection. All in all I think we can agree that this was real and every moment was its own. Thank you Newbridge on the Charles and the residents for allowing us to make memories with you!
