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April 2, 2008

Budding artists bring history alive in city murals

By Sara Codair

Budding artists from the John Greenleaf Whittier and Dr. Paul C. Nettle middle schools will have a tie to Haverhill's past for the rest of their lives.

The students are in their schools' after-school Discovery Clubs and for the past eight weeks they have been working with Newburyport's Copley artist Susan Decker to create murals that depict scenes from Haverhill's past. The murals, which will be unveiled during Kidsfest in May, will be on display in downtown Haverhill where residents and visitors can view them.

Decker, who has painted murals in Newburyport and other towns, had never worked with a group of children before, and said she enjoyed her time with them.

"Its been great. They learned a lot about what goes on behind (the scenes for) putting that big picture on the wall," said Decker. "The kids were so flexible. Once they saw how serious it was, they gave me their undivided attention."

The work of the students went beyond simply painting: They had to learn the history of the subject they were painting and its connection to Haverhill. For Whittier students, the lesson was on the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Nettle students learned about George Washington.

The students did the initial sketches, assisted in the painting of the murals and learned different techniques, then helped with cleanup.

"I thought it was a great opportunity for students to work with a real artist and do a community service project at the same time," said Tina Fuller, director of the Discovery Club. "I think they have learned a lot about the process of creativity."

Jeremiah Downer, 12, a sixth-grader at Whittier Middle School, enjoyed his experience.

"It was awesome. (Decker) taught me how to paint, and how to fix the mistakes if you mess up with out redoing the whole thing," said Jeremiah.

For Rhonda Riley, 13, an eighth-grader from Nettle, the experience wasn't just about what she was painting, but who she was painting with.

"I like working with friends, and being able to get closer to them," said Rhonda.

Shantay Davis, 11, a sixth-grader from Nettle School, is excited that the murals will be publicly displayed.

"I think it's great because people will get to see the artwork and how well we did," said Shantay. "When I have kids, I can look back (at the murals) and say that I have been part of Haverhill."

The students have their own little secret within the murals: Their names are all hidden somewhere in the paintings.

"Its nice to have nostalgia in this day and age. It gives a comfort. Things change quickly, so its nice to have a history," said Decker.

The mural project is for Team Haverhill, a nonpartisan group dedicated to making Haverhill a better place to live, work and play.

Team Haverhill raised the money for the project, and according to Tim Jordan, Team Haverhill co-chairman, the group received a $10,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor to jump-start the plan to commission between 12 and 18 murals of notable figures from Haverhill's history.

Jordan said Team Haverhill members want more partnering with the schools and the mural project was a great way for students to learn about art and the history of Haverhill while making a connection to the city.

"They should be able to come to it for years and say, 'Hey, I did that,'" said Jordan.

The murals will be officially unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Kidsfest on May 4.

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