New Indigenous art mural unveiled at Harry J. Clarke Public School
September 29, 2023—On Thursday, September 28, a new mural was unveiled at Harry J. Clarke Public School. The artwork was created by local artist Melissa Brant in collaboration with students at the school.
The mural was inspired by the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving address and features panels related to the verses of the address, connected to the central image of Turtle Island.
To begin, Melissa read the Thanksgiving address to the students and discussed with them what the verses meant to them. Students were also encouraged to draw the images that came to mind as Melissa read to them, so they could visually express what they were thinking and feeling as they listened.
It took Melissa a total of about three days to complete the mural at the school. The final touches were added by the students, who each left a paint fingerprint around the circumference of the piece as an acknowledgement and commitment to the values of appreciation and mindful thanks of the address.