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OCP photo/Hesperia High School art teacher Monica Grimard, at left, with her art students who created the mural.
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HESPERIA — A large mural made of recycled waste, entitled “Reclaimed Beauty,” was officially unveiled at Vida Weaver Park Thursday morning, June 5.
The unique mural was created by students in Monica Grimard’s 3-D art class at Hesperia High School.
“The mural features a steelhead, a powerful symbol of Hesperia,” said Hesperia Student Body President Levi Montague. “These incredible fish make their way through the White River every spring and fall, and they represent the spirit of Hesperia — resilient, enduring and deeply connected to nature.”
OCP photo
“A lot of people went into this project, starting with the Hesperia Art Committee,” said Grimard as she spoke to the crowd gathered at the park, which is situated along the White River. “We were talking about bringing art to the community, and we talked about how we wanted to do it and where we wanted to do it. And this is the best park where we could have put it.”
Students, school staff and community members gathered at the park for the unveiling.
OCP photo/Local artist Russell Baker, pictured with his dog Molly, is recognized for helping with the project.
The idea spawned from a school field trip last year to the John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids where students observed an exhibit of art made from trash. “So we got the idea that maybe we should try to do that here, because we have the river and we want to keep it clean. It’s one of the best features of our town.”
“I had no idea how hard it was going to be or how long it was going to take, but with all the help of a lot of people, it’s done,” Grimard said.
OCP photo
“The kids this fall started picking up trash, and we sorted it into colors.” The mural began taking shape from there. “It’s been a really exciting adventure since then. We sorted a lot of things and pulled them apart until we could make something pretty beautiful.”
A $9,000 grant from TrueNorth Community Services and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council funded the project.
“I asked them to do a lot of things they had never done before. They drilled and they pounded different textures. They used an iron on some of the plastic to make a different texture and harden the plastic. They used staple guns, glue guns and all kinds of things. We broke glass, and we only had one emergency room visit,” she said as the audience chuckled.
OCP photo
The teacher thanked the many people in the community and in the school system who volunteered to help with the project.
The plan is to take the mural down in the fall and cover it with with a glazing of epoxy to winterize it, and then put it back up.
The teacher asked that people not touch the mural. “We want it to last a long time,” she said. “It is for you.”
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