Local artist Jeri Hamel on the ladder at the Chester Elementary School library. (Photo submitted)
HUNTINGTON – Local artists Jeri Hamel, Dale Miller, and Sue Racine pooled their talents to create a mural in the library of Chester Elementary School.
“A group of library volunteers decided that they would like to put a large tree on the wall and then invite students to make leaves and decorate the tree as a project,” recalled Bill Brown, the librarian for the Gateway Regional School District, who oversees library volunteers at the elementary schools.
Brown said the idea came up about finding a local artist to paint a tree mural that could be used over and over again. Students could add leaves (seasonally) or snowflakes, or flowers. One of Chester’s library volunteers, Maureen Dion, had connections to artists in Blandford and began making contacts. The following week, Maureen had commitments from Miller, Hamel and Racine.
“The artists were excited to get started and we met the next week at the school library to map out a plan,” Brown explained. The artists did a sketch of an acacia tree, which they felt would be the best choice for the wall. The sketch was presented to Principal Megan Coburn and Assistant Principal Amy Fouracre for approval. Brown said the women loved the idea and the artists moved forward.
Brown also credits the Facilities Director Brian Wing, Supervisor Ed Quinn and Chester custodian Gary Huff for supporting the project and making sure that the artists had all of the equipment they needed.
According to Sue Racine, working together came naturally to the three artists, although none had ever created something on this scale before. “Wel all live in Blandford and have been friends for 15 years,” Racine said, adding that two of the artists had been friends for 35 years. “It was gratifying for all three of us to do something for the children of Blandford, as well as the whole school.”
Painting took place the week of November 18. Everyone—staff, students, parents and community members—was very, very impressed with the results. The project seemed to be very rewarding for the artists, as well. “Although we have been friends for years, we have never worked on a project like this that combined all our ideas and talents,” Racine said.
The three artists will be honored at the school’s monthly assembly in March.
“It gave us an evolving and interactive piece of artwork that also highlighted artistic talent and generosity in our own community,” Brown concluded.
