(March 17, 2016) Students at Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin gathered en mass last Wednesday for a sneak peek at a community art project they helped to envision and to paint.
The mural that now graces the side of the town’s visitor center depicts Berlin’s history from its Victorian era through modern times. The work was a joint effort between the town and artist John Donato, after the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee developed the idea.
Ivy Wells, Berlin’s director of economic and community development, who also runs the town’s arts and entertainment program, said fundraising efforts are underway to cover the costs of two more mural projects
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Donato, whose other work includes a mural at Most Blessed Catholic School in Ocean Pines, said this was truly a community effort.
“I could see right way this was going to be a special mural,” he said. “Something like this doesn’t get painted by an artist alone.”
He also praised Buckingham Elementary art teacher Melissa Reid for her approach, energy and excitement.
Berlin Arts and Entertainment committee member Robin Tomaselli said the idea for the community artwork was in progress for quite sometime.
“We’ve been looking to do a mural project for several years,” she said.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams shared some historical perspective with the students.
“Berlin is America’s coolest small town and this is America’s coolest elementary school,” he said to widespread applause. “What you see today, wasn’t always as cool as it is now.”
Reid, who was reared in Berlin, seconded the mayor’s sentiments during her remarks, explaining that during her youth the town looked a bit weathered.
“When I was a child, Berlin looked nothing like it does now,” she said.
She extended her gratitude to Carol Rose, who sits on the board of directors for the Calvin B. Taylor House, for sharing her extensive knowledge of Berlin’s past.
“Rose spent time with my art classes talking about the history of Berlin,” she said.
In 1982, the Berlin Heritage Foundation, which was founded a year earlier, persuaded the town to spend $35,000 to buy the historic Calvin B. Taylor house, which was built in 1832 for Isaac Covington. Since that time, the group has operated the house as a museum.
Describing the mural as an element that will be a source of pride for generations, Williams said he hopes the artwork will foster a culture of tolerance and diversity.
“It represents an appreciation of our past, with inspiration for today and part of our shared history tomorrow,” he said. “Through the universal language of art, it’s something we can all share.”
Donato said he enjoyed the time he got to work with the students.
“They raised their hands and asked questions,’ he said. “They were good as gold.”
During her remarks, Reid told the assembled school body that hundreds of people will view the mural over the next decades, and stressed the value of each child’s contribution
“Every single day you do something amazing,” she said. “You have an important voice in the community of Berlin.”
The mural that now graces the side of the town’s visitor center depicts Berlin’s history from its Victorian era through modern times. The work was a joint effort between the town and artist John Donato, after the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee developed the idea.
Ivy Wells, Berlin’s director of economic and community development, who also runs the town’s arts and entertainment program, said fundraising efforts are underway to cover the costs of two more mural projects
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Donato, whose other work includes a mural at Most Blessed Catholic School in Ocean Pines, said this was truly a community effort.
“I could see right way this was going to be a special mural,” he said. “Something like this doesn’t get painted by an artist alone.”
He also praised Buckingham Elementary art teacher Melissa Reid for her approach, energy and excitement.
Berlin Arts and Entertainment committee member Robin Tomaselli said the idea for the community artwork was in progress for quite sometime.
“We’ve been looking to do a mural project for several years,” she said.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams shared some historical perspective with the students.
“Berlin is America’s coolest small town and this is America’s coolest elementary school,” he said to widespread applause. “What you see today, wasn’t always as cool as it is now.”
Reid, who was reared in Berlin, seconded the mayor’s sentiments during her remarks, explaining that during her youth the town looked a bit weathered.
“When I was a child, Berlin looked nothing like it does now,” she said.
She extended her gratitude to Carol Rose, who sits on the board of directors for the Calvin B. Taylor House, for sharing her extensive knowledge of Berlin’s past.
“Rose spent time with my art classes talking about the history of Berlin,” she said.
In 1982, the Berlin Heritage Foundation, which was founded a year earlier, persuaded the town to spend $35,000 to buy the historic Calvin B. Taylor house, which was built in 1832 for Isaac Covington. Since that time, the group has operated the house as a museum.
Describing the mural as an element that will be a source of pride for generations, Williams said he hopes the artwork will foster a culture of tolerance and diversity.
“It represents an appreciation of our past, with inspiration for today and part of our shared history tomorrow,” he said. “Through the universal language of art, it’s something we can all share.”
Donato said he enjoyed the time he got to work with the students.
“They raised their hands and asked questions,’ he said. “They were good as gold.”
During her remarks, Reid told the assembled school body that hundreds of people will view the mural over the next decades, and stressed the value of each child’s contribution
“Every single day you do something amazing,” she said. “You have an important voice in the community of Berlin.”