The Refuse Project was about different ways we could help or encourage others to help the environment. During the semester we were all able to split into groups and create a campaign. Each campaign was different, some created hand-crafted soap, a mural, a documentary, and many more other products, They centered around the idea of stopping pollution, ways to reuse items, and educating others about the environment.
Sea the Risk This semester we have decided to paint a mural that gave awareness to marine debris and how the ocean is being affected by our waste. Our mission is to encourage others to take action or atleast spread awareness about the issue. Our plan for our project was to create a mural in a public space that was able to tell a strong story about a hard issue. We first created a moveable mural for the NOAA conference during March and were able to display and showcase it. We were able to get feedback on how we could improve our public mural. We as well involved ourselves in labs that helped us choose the best materials that were eco-friendly for example testing the differences of Low VOC paint from VOC paint. Our group was also involved in eco-week, we were able to discuss our project and the mural itself to other students that were interested. Further along in our project we couldn’t find a public space to paint in our designated area, but we were given access to paint on one of the school’s walls. In the duration of painting in a public place, we have noticed we have impacted our school community. Many students and visitors came up to us to ask us questions and compliment our painting. We have noticed we are making a change.
Collaborators/Experts: Celeste Byers - San Diego Muralist NOAA Conference - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Dayton Huffaker - Ocean Life Expert, High Tech High
Final Reflection "In the beginning of our project we decided to to a mural that had the concept of marine debris and ocean life. Starting in January we decided to do an art piece, more toward the idea of doing a mural. We had an idea of doing a mural in a public place and potentially doing a moveable mural that we could possibly exhibit. The idea of a moveable mural was based on being able to exhibit the mural at different locations, as well as being a first draft for our public mural."
"Some successes we had during the project was all of us having similar but different skill sets. We all are proficient at art which helped us with the mural by making it look precise and realistic, and since we had different preferences as well, were we able to add our own twist to the mural. For example, how we blend colors or how we add texture to each animal. Another success was being able to become closer to one another. We were able to bond with each other by listening to music and painting all day long. Even though at times we became frustrated with each other, we all had laughs and smiles, as well as crazy conversations throughout the days." "Throughout our journey with this project, we have been able to tell a story with our art. Everyone that has come across our mural always holds interest and curiosity. We have had many wonderful conversations with teachers and classmates about our art and the next steps in our project. Starting from our moveable mural and finishing with our public mural we have been able to grow, not just in our art skills but with how we can tell a story by just adding a few details."