Students from Bluffton High School have spent the first quarter of the school year planning, designing and creating murals for residents of Grace & Mercy Transitional Housing.
Ms. Vicki Van Matre’s first period art class visited the facility on Bluffton’s west side this fall to create murals in the residential wing of the facility. Their work will be featured during Grace & Mercy’s “Desserts ‘N Dreams” open house event on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. The facility, part of Community Care of Northeast Indiana, is located at 1001 Clark Ave. in Bluffton.
The students have visited Grace & Mercy almost daily since early September. Some students say the time has passed quickly and they’ve enjoyed getting to know their classmates outside of the classroom and in this unique, relaxed setting. Students have a variety of prior art experience, and the projects have a variety of meanings. The murals have uplifting, hopeful messages or just express fun, whimsical themes.
Ms. Van Matre says the idea came from BHMSD Assistant Superintendent Julie Meitzler and was funded through the district’s homeless grant funding. From the onset Ms. Van Matre knew it would be a big undertaking, but when she walked into the facility she knew it was a project they had to tackle.
“The students have stepped up and have done a great job,” Ms. Van Matre says, adding she is appreciative of the administration for allowing her to lead this project. “This isn’t something you normally let a lot of kids or classes do. We’ve been able to come over every day for almost three weeks to work on this project.”
After students viewed and measured their wall spaces, they went to the drawing board to mock up potential designs. Once they presented their ideas at Grace & Mercy, they got started painting with a deadline in mind to be done in time for the open house. Supplies were purchased through grant funds.
“BHMSD and Grace & Mercy have a successful partnership with a recent grant through the Indiana Department of Education,” says Mrs. Meitzler. “We have been able to provide bunk beds, bedding, clothing, an outdoor basketball goal, tutoring and other necessities for students living at Grace & Mercy. The mural project was something we brainstormed together and it is exciting to see the completed projects by our high school art students. They have exceeded my expectations with a lasting creative mark on the walls of Grace & Mercy that will be enjoyed by residents and their children for years to come.”
Students had to overcome challenges, such as ensuring the small-scale draft translated well onto the large wall surface, mastering paint techniques and working together as a team to see the job through.
“Bringing so many different mindsets together has definitely been a challenge but I think also one of our greatest benefits,” says junior Makena DeRoo.
The teamwork was evident and will continue to impact the families who reside at Grace & Mercy.
“The outreach of community involvement is truly humbling, and is inspiring to witness students rise by sharing their creativity with others,” says Community Care of Northeast Indiana Executive Director Christine Walker. “We would like to extend our gratitude to the Bluffton-Harrison staff and students for their efforts in creating such beautiful works of art. These contributions have not only showcased your talent, but have also built a lasting legacy for the families of Grace & Mercy.”
The project has also made a lasting impression on the student artists.
“It’s honestly probably one of the best experiences I’ll ever have,” sophomore Zada Ford says. “It’s just a really fun thing and I’m super glad we get to do it.”
