In a curriculum aligned art activity, about 75 students in grade 4 enjoyed a mural making project. A whimsical world of butterflies decorates the main stairwell and aligns with the grade 4 science curriculum and their studies of habitat, specifically monarch butterflies. Using elements of design, including lines, shapes and colours, each student created non-representational artwork (designs and patterns) within their own butterfly shape and painted directly on the wall. During the planning stage of this project, students experimented with butterfly designs on paper using dry media such as pencil crayons and markers.

Students received one-on-one instruction and demonstration as they painted and created artwork that was specifically suited for the location. Students will be able to identify their own artwork within the mural project and should recognize the valuable contributions that each unique butterfly adds to the overall success of the project.

Students participated in a mural making project that was a continuation of a theme started in August, 2006. The participants included about 60 students, ranging in grade levels from 2 to 7, and all members of the “Passionate Earthling” student club. The natural habitat theme of the mural aligns with the environmental awareness focus of the students’ club. A whimsical world of butterflies was extended to the upper areas of the main stairwell.