Lehigh Parkway Elementary School to Hang
“Parkway Pride” Outdoor Work of Student Art
Wednesday, August 10, 3:00 p.m.
August 9, 2017 Allentown, PA What is Resident Artist Matt Halm doing on Wednesday, August 10, around 3:00 p.m.? He is hanging an outdoor work of art created by approximately 100 Lehigh Parkway students who produced this very special mural during the spring 2016 semester.
With school out, Halm will be celebrating the culmination event pretty much on his own. During the spring semester, Halm and Lehigh Parkway art teacher, Katlyn Baer, worked with the students from grades 3, 4, and 5 to produce this amazing mural representing their view of the City of Allentown. This Renaissance Arts project was funded by the Allentown School District Foundation and Crayola LLC.
“The Lehigh Parkway Elementary School entrance leads to a large parking lot with a blank brick wall on the right of the building as you enter,” says Principal Will Seng. “It is the perfect spot to locate this very welcoming display of art.” The entrance is located at 1708 Coronado Street, Allentown.
The students worked on the mural over a period of ten intense artistic sessions. The project fulfills the Foundation’s vision of providing “enriched learning experiences” throughout the year. In the 2015-2016 school year, the Foundation touched the lives of 2,658 students in the District with projects and programs spanning myriad STEAM educational experiences, plus summer camp and senior scholarships.
Artist’s Statement
“This project was an introduction to visual language, thematic development, and mural painting. The students were first shown examples of public art and encouraged to think critically about symbolism and visual storytelling. The students learned to search for meanings in images, then to create their own messages and morals to communicate through their own art. The group worked as a team, collaborating creatively while learning the skills required for large-scale art. The team brainstormed ideas, creating a collective story in the form of a mural to be displayed in their school. Students learned skills that helped them to sketch and paint a permanent mural. Throughout the process, the students were excited to learn about art and murals, and eager to use what they learned to create their own project. They were proud to be a part of a project that students, parents, and teachers would see for many years to come. I was proud of their progress, and enjoyed being able to teach them about mural art, something close to my heart. I was inspired by their creativity and their bravery in tackling something so new to them. I am very thankful for this opportunity, it was a humbling and gratifying experience.”
–Matt Halm, Resident Artist 2016, Lehigh Parkway and Washington Elementary Schools
Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote and support innovative educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the foundation at 484-765-4093 or williamssu@allentownsd.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
Press Release By: Susan Williams
Sent to The Valley Ledger by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
