Fleisher: The Service Learning Mural at Vare

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The Service Learning Mural at Vare Elementary

Sixth Grade

Teaching Artists: Alyse Bernstein, Nathan Rutkowski

This project was created in response to the Service Learning requirement in the School District of Philadelphia. Through the coordination of Mitch Cohen, the Post Secondary Readiness Coordinator for the Furness Cluster, Fleisher was paired with a 6th grade class to paint a mural in the school's basement lunchroom. The Principal at Vare Elementary, Runa Bhattacharya, suggested an Asian theme to link with the school's population and the celebration of Asian History Month in May. Teachers and artists offered a variety of images from Asian cultures to students, and they visited the Cambodian Buddhist Temple near the school. Accompanied by Chinny Ky, a school district employee who specializes in language equity issues (and a Fleisher parent), students learned about Buddhism as it is practiced in Cambodia. The final mural was unveiled at a reception for the upper level Small Learning Community, the Principal, Cluster Leader Art Rubin and many parents.

Image: In the black field are two carpet motifs; within the red border is calligraphy with English translations. The left side depicts the first of the 4 elements: water. Within the water are two koi and a lotus plant holds a rabbit, one of three Chinese Zodiac animals that represent birth years of the participating students. On the right and left are two Ming vases (with a dragon pattern) holding cherry blossoms. The center section houses a Cambodian Temple, the grounds in front represent earth and the clouds above, air. In the sky are a tiger and a dragon (the other two zodiac animals) and a bronze plate representing the sun. In front of the border sit two guardians. Between the lions is written in Cambodian and English: Respect the teacher. The right side of the mural depicts the final element: fire. Within the flames is a fan with two white cranes symbolizing longevity and health.

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