More than 500 students, staff and parents gathered at a Richmond school Wednesday morning for the unveiling of a new mural.
Tomsett elementary revealed its newest mural titled Garden of Knowledge. It was painted by Laura Kwok, and described as a "true community piece."
Kwok, a Richmond secondary alumna, said the mural meant a lot to her and was glad to include the input of all 500 students at the school.
As a former educator herself, she added, it was a great feeling to return to working with kids in an artistic setting.
"The students are the best part. It is their mural, and it's nice to know that they appreciate it," said Kwok, adding that all 21 classes shared ideas for the design.
"Just seeing the kids being able to share their ideas and really just contribute ... I felt like this is all about community," she said.
"Usually when I do the murals, I design them myself, and there aren't that many opportunities for contributions from kids like this. This was actually really nice to have them give the input, and I designed something based on what they wanted."
The mural features details like two ladybugs having a tea party, a sun with a coffee, a cherry blossom tree — a nod to the once beautiful tree on the school grounds where the current modular classrooms are now — and a river of different coloured fish.
Kwok said each part represents the student body and the wider school community.
A squirrel with a hearing aid was also included to reflect students with special needs.
Kwok's iconic "grandma ladybug" appears in the mural as well, just like in three of her other murals around the city.
"She's kind of the little character that's always there. And one student event quoted that it was 'grandma ladybug sharing her wisdom in the mural.'"
A true community mural
The mural project began with Kwok visiting every class to collect ideas. Once the design was drafted, painting began in April.
Over five days, students and staff helped bring it to life by "making their mark" on the mural with strokes of paint.
"It's a reminder that this is a place for learning and creativity, and never to lose your artistic spirit is the biggest thing," said Kwok.
The mural project cost around $10,000. The funds came from grants, fundraising efforts by the parent advisory council and the Tomsett community.
Tomsett principal Kirsten Wallace called the mural process "magical." She said it helped kids see themselves as a connected community while working on the project together.
"I think it's hands-on learning, and it's right here. I can feel that the kids feel so proud," said Wallace, adding that the school plans a variety of activities over the year to build community.
"We know that relationship and connection are the most important things for families and for kids."
School trustee Donna Sargent said she remembers when the Tomsett building was getting old, so seeing the mural bring colour and life to the school is "gratifying."
"Art just plays such a big part. It's happening more and more throughout the city, but I'm really happy that it's happening at our schools," said Sargent.
"It takes a lot of effort, though. I really want to thank the staff and leadership at the school who helped guide it, because imagine having every kid put a brushstroke on it. It's a lot of work, but they can see it, own it and feel it."
Both Wallace and Sargent highlighted the importance of art and and how it helps bring people together.
"It's like an access point for everyone. There's a place for everyone to come in, no matter where they are in their learning or development. Every child can be represented through art and through the mural," said Wallace.
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