New mural coming to Moreland

Tim Spitzack
Editor

The drab, industrial-looking rear brick wall of Moreland Elementary, which faces the playground, will soon become a mammoth canvas for a colorful mural that celebrates the school’s students and learning. The mural will have images of children, educational icons, and the monarch butterfly, the school’s mascot.

Overseeing its creation and installation is Moreland artist-in-residence Greta McLain. She owns Minneapolis-based GoodSpace Murals and has traveled throughout the U.S. since 2016 creating murals in public spaces. With each project she works closely with the community to develop a theme and artwork, then has residents grab brushes and help create the work of art.

McLain uses a paint-by-number format and works on sheets of canvas in an indoor space. At Moreland, she enlisted the help of students, teachers and staff members, and 300 community members who gathered for two hours on April 25 for a painting party. As of press time, the mural was scheduled to be installed on May 25, with an unveiling ceremony set for 1:30-2 p.m., Monday, June 3, or June 6 in case of rain. The public is welcome to attend. The mural consists of more than 100 panels that will be affixed to the wall with acrylic gel. McLain said canvas murals last longer than those painted directly on a wall and can be easily repaired if any peeling or damage occurs.

The $40,000 project was funded by donations over the past two years to the Moreland Parent Teacher Association’s Kindness Campaign. Assisting with design and installation are artists Pablo Kalaka, Tess O’Day and Robinson Moreno.

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