During conferences parents are encouraged to look in the hallway across from the music room on the first floor to see an amazing collaborative collage mural created by our 3rd- and 5th-grade classes. The mural is inspired by Oregon artist Jennifer Lake Miller’s folk art painting of Leavenworth. I asked students to represent what is important to them in their community, and they had thoughtful, enthusiastic conversations as they worked together to decide what to include.
You can see this collaboration in comments like, “We only need the small rope tow because the big one isn’t open this year,” while designing Ski Hill, or “We have to include Skyline at Stevens Pass—that’s where the terrain park is. And G Lot, because that’s the best place to park.”
The mural features schools, a ball field, a business district, wildlife, and neighborhoods. It is also interactive—one student added a “Find Waldo” element—and yes, Bigfoot makes an appearance as well. While the mural isn’t geographically accurate, it captures the heart of Leavenworth beautifully, and I love how clearly the students’ pride and affection for their town come through.