Studio 2

Recently I finished a mural for Riverdale Elementary School in my hometown of Port Byron, IL. The school was recently in the process of creating a sensory outdoor classroom as a permanent resource for both teachers and students. I was honored to be asked to create a mural to finish the space. The project was funded by The Quad City Arts Dollar$ grant via Quad City Arts out of Rock Island, Illinois.

What is a sensory classroom?

Studies show that learning in an environment that engages multiple senses can assist in a greater ability to solve problems creatively. A sensory classroom is simply an area that is optimally situated for multi-sensory learning, in this case, a small butterfly garden. Educators could host a class outside, or the students could directly participate in activities like growing simple plants, making birdhouses, and raising butterflies.

Designing this mural had a special place in my heart. I have some pretty fond memories of our own ‘sensory garden’ when I was in junior high: a small prairie and butterfly garden. I remember all being excited to take part in maintaining every aspect of it, from maintaining the wildlife, to releasing baby pheasants and butterflies. It was neat to be a part of a tiny little ecosystem. We also had different classes held outside every now and then. I felt that integrating those experiences helped keep me far more engaged in the classroom. Riverdale is currently only partially funded in their arts programming, with arts only being taught in the middle and high school levels. Having the opportunity to contribute to this new endeavor was a warm-fuzzy and fulfilling challenge.

Here are some photos below on the process.