Grade 5 students participated in a curriculum aligned visual arts project where they each coloured one square for a collage. Students used pencil crayons on colourful paper and used elements of design including colours, lines, shapes and textures to create non-representational patterns and designs. The students’ squares were then assembled on panels.

This was a collaborative project where each student designed and coloured one grid square and the panels were assembled, framed and mounted by me. The grade 5 classes received an artist’s visit that lasted one period when they received a short art lesson and time to complete their squares. Students can identify their own artistic contributions within the mural and recognize how their individual efforts contribute to the overall success of the project. Students were set up for artistic success and then their creativity was showcased.

In recognition of the rich cultural diversity in our community, this mural project features the word “welcome” in many languages. Diversity is a popular theme for school murals. When I think of diversity, I certainly think of cultural diversity. But our community also has diversity of age, gender, skills, abilities and much more. In our community, we live with respect and tolerance for these differences. And, more importantly, we live with sincere admiration for our diversity, recognizing that our differences together make us a stronger and richer community. Indeed, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. What better way to show diversity than through the diverse creativity of children? The students' diverse creativity was paired with the word “welcome”, creating a powerful and positive message.