Brown Elementary Students Collaborate With Local Artist on S.T.E.A.M. Murals

Two new murals have been added to hallways following a collaboration with local artist, Amy Haggard. Haggard specializes in both small and mural-sized works that feature graphic patterns, vibrant colors, and organic shapes. In March of 2022, all students at Brown joined in the process by contributing ideas regarding S.T.E.A.M; an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

Students submitted drawings and symbols using their iPads. Haggard created two digital mural concepts incorporating their ideas. After a tight student vote (and extra support from our PTO), it was decided to proceed by installing both! The two digital images were transformed into large vinyl prints that were heat transferred onto the brick walls outside the IDC (Innovation & Discovery Center). The entire process not only utilized all areas of what S.T.E.A.M. represents, it reenforces to our students that science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics are truly everywhere!

Special thanks:

To our Innovation & Discovery Specialist, Charles D’Andrea. Mr. D’Andrea not only wrote the grant through the Hilliard Education Association that funded most of this project, he also guided students through the process of exploring ideas and submitting them to Padlet using their iPads.

To our PTO for supporting the project to ensure we could make both murals a reality.

To principal Kate Miller and Mark Tremayne (Director of Innovation and Extended Learning) for their guidance.

Artist Amy Haggard for her vision, patience, and generosity with her time and talents.

Visionary Signs for the seamless installation process. You can find more info about their company at visionarysigns.net.

To our student artists who contributed their ideas and fresh energy to spark inspiration for our learning community.