Grownups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them. ~ Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, 1943
The nice part of this job is that occasionally you, dear readers, stop me on the street, at events or e-mail me to tell me about something that you know about that might not cross my everyday path. A reader told me this summer about a mural that they thought was particularly moving that is displayed outside of Sierra Heights Elementary School in the Renton Highlands. I got a chance this week for a first-hand look and to interview the teacher and the art docent responsible for bringing this beautiful work of art to life.
It is called the “Eagle Project” and it was created by a group of 24 third graders last year. The Eagle is Sierra Heights’ mascot and the project was developed to personify the school’s diversity. Christine Brenneman’s third- grade class (this year she teaches first grade) were the artists. Principal Nanci Davis gave the project its headline, “Read to Soar like an Eagle,” to give voice to reading as an important part of the elementary curriculum. The Eagle Project, was spearheaded by active local volunteer, Doug Kyes, the art docent, who I met with this week, as well as Mrs. Brenneman.
It is a 54-inch by 39-inch ceramic tile mural that hangs at the entrance of the school. Each tile, created by the students, depicts a symbol of their own personal culture. Upon close examination, we see the flag of Norway from a student from Norwegian decent, a ying/yang symbol in two different forms (one from a student from China; in the traditional format of ying/yang, the second, a ying/yang in the form of peaches). We see a shamrock from a student of Irish decent. There is a camel from a Muslim student. There is an African sculpture, the Chinese symbol of happiness, as well as an Aztec symbol. From numerous Mexican students there are different symbols that embody their heritage including a Mexican flag and a man with a sombrero. There is also an upside peace sign. “Oops,” said Mr. Kyes, “that might have been my fault,” with a hearty laugh.
Each tile was created two students at a time during class periods. It took more than three months to create the project. The children hailed from Vietnam, Cambodia, Mexico, China, Europe and students born in the United States. They sketched the tiles out with paper and marker and then Mr. Kyes made sure the colors were correct, and then on his own time, took them home to fire them in the kiln.
American culture was represented, of course, as well, in the form of the Eagle itself; after all, they are all Americans. At the bottom of the art project is a rocket ship to indicate the theme of “soaring” toward the reading goal. The project was funded by a grant from Allied Arts of Renton, and Mr. Kyes’ personal contribution of time and art supplies (no small contribution, I might note).
Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including Piazza Renton. E-mail her at scbressler@comcast.net.
