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To this blog's readers:
I created this blog in hopes of attracting some of the discussion about public art that flares up in op ed pieces in newspaper and on line news sources. It seems to be a hot topic. Public Art often elicits an emotional responses; your opinions need to be heard.
I have facilitated over thirty murals, many of them by children, but rarely receive feedback. (My main source now is comments made at the grocery store !) I am starting a new non-profit: Mark Making. Its purpose is to create public art. It aims to serve the public; we need your feedback to do so effectively.
Please post your general or specific thoughts about Public Art, your opinions of pieces featured on childrenpaintchattanooga.com. What do you think of the new mural “My City 'Tis of Thee”on Barton Avenue to be completed October 26.
I would like to add that very few of the pieces I have facilitated have received City funding, taxpaper dollars. They are almost and entirely always paid for by grants, corporate and non-profit money, and private donations.
Thank you for reading and responding,
Frances McDonald
Why Blog Here
To this blog's readers:
I created this blog in hopes of attracting some of the discussion about public art that flares up in op ed pieces in newspaper and on line news sources. It seems to be a hot topic. Public Art often elicits an emotional responses; your opinions need to be heard.
I have facilitated over thirty murals, many of them by children, but rarely receive feedback. (My main source now is comments made at the grocery store !) I am starting a new non-profit: Mark Making. Its purpose is to create public art. It aims to serve the public; we need your feedback to do so effectively.
Please post your general or specific thoughts about Public Art, your opinions of pieces featured on childrenpaintchattanooga.com. What do you think of the new mural “My City 'Tis of Thee”on Barton Avenue to be completed October 26.
I would like to add that very few of the pieces I have facilitated have received City funding, taxpaper dollars. They are almost and entirely always paid for by grants, corporate and non-profit money, and private donations.
Thank you for reading and responding,
Frances McDonald
My daughter Savanna will be one of the artists creating this piece of art. She is so excited about this opportunity and is telling everyone to check out their completed masterpiece on Sunday. Thank you for bringing this opportunity to the 3rd grade class at CSAS. Allowing the children to show their artwork in such a public arena is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWow! Chattanooga is very lucky to have this kind of art. CSAS kids are even luckier that they get to BE a part of this art!
ReplyDeleteI think the latest My City Tis of Thee mural is pretty cool! But Barton Ave. just won't be the same without it's previous BUG mural.
ReplyDeleteTom Prentice
The pictures are very exciting! I can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. The children have finished. I'm very happy with what they did but not totally satisfied with some of my color choices; will be more subtle. Frances
ReplyDeleteWOW! The wall looks fantastic. What a great way to teach teamwork and to become a part of a community. Thank you for making Chattanooga such a great little place to live.
ReplyDeleteVery authentic! Lots of life and vitality on the wall! It is really great for the kids to be involved in this way and to be able to feel their efforts enjoyed by the community. thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift to the community and creative learning adventure for the CSAS children. As a Board member of Mark Making it was exciting to see the first project in action on Sun. and look forward to more down the road. I have enjoyed driving by and seeing the fantastic wall! Bravo! Lavinia
ReplyDeleteAt a time when political lines are drawn, blood pressures are rising and our economic future is so shakey, it is so heartening to see " Miss Francis " gather up the children and art materials to help foster their voice in the community. Art has a way of empowering and inspiring us to think outside of a box. That type of education, once absorbed , is priceless.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed the mural on Hixson Pike. Our grandchild,Lilah Dorn enjoyed painting on it.Thank you for making this project fun for the children. Nelson & Jerri Bennett
ReplyDeleteBradley and I really enjoyed the process of the mural. I've never seen so focused on an art project like he was with this one. He's really grown as a student in his confidence towards artistic projects to the point of being willing to help me with some creative painting on our home (as long as I pay him in pizza). My family and I loved how well it looks. Thanks Ms. Frances, Mr. John, and Mr. Dennis for all the help, instruction and support.
ReplyDeleteThe Owens family
It is a joy to drive by. Makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteWow what a mural. When is your next one?
ReplyDeleteI'm not from Chattanooga but was in town visiting and saw your mural. How exciting! How fortunate for Chattanooga to have art projects like this going on. How great for the children. Glad I got to see it and will be telling others about it. Sally
ReplyDeleteThe best way to sum up the mural....what a bang for your bucks! When one thinks of the money $$$$$ spent for public art and here we have for very little $ a wonderful mural...that was painted by children! In hard economic times, isn't it wonderful to know that there are community art projects that are obtainable and we get such a bang for our bucks in so many ways. LJ
ReplyDeleteI am very upset about the Bug Mural being destroyed! I drive by it almost everyday and love that our children painted it. This is one of the things that has made Chattanooga unique, a deeper richer place to live. This city is making a big mistake in covering over art for what reason I do not know. You are covering over our heart. This harms our whole community and I wish I was more articulate so maybe I could bring some light to those who made this decision. It was the wrong decision.
ReplyDeleteFrom Frances again. We have officially finished the mural. It took awhile...rain and then cold. I changed the background color a couple of times, untangled a couple of arms and legs. Some remain legless, I don't edit. I did tone down a couple of too strong greens and blues in the clothing. I can't always control what is going on with the paint station. Those were to be detail colors and were used in large spaces. They were distracting to the faces. It would be the same if I wore these colors.
ReplyDeletelove it
ReplyDeleteI comute daily on Barton and the mural makes me smile. Our city needs more. Keep it up.
the coolest was watching the children create the mural!
It was wonderful watching the children take pride in their own work. I think you should take advantage of every opportunity you have to inspire young minds!
ReplyDeleteThe mural is a wonderful idea to teach children to become involved in their community. It makes me want to sing!
ReplyDeleteThe removable panels will assure that it can be saved for those who don't want to part with their children's art and make way for embracing a change of scenery from future artist. Change is inevitable.
THIS IS FANTASTIC! CHATTANOOGA'S YOUNGSTERS WTLL HAVE THEIR IMAGINATIONS BROADENED TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THEY WILL BE READY FOR JOBS AT VW OR MORE HI TECH VENTURES. THANKS A MILLION, CREATORS!!!
ReplyDeleteSo good hearing that The Famous Frances McDonald is helping to head up more ART for the Children of Chattanooga! Thank you all, Frances and The Group, for giving all of your hard work and dedication to Chattanooga and those who see your work!
ReplyDeleteThe mural lady has certainly made a name for herself and Chattanooga. Was visiting out of town last weekend and hosts had copy of Southern Living with article about Frances and her mural projects. You've found your niche, Frances!!
ReplyDeleteThe concept is great, and Frances has a handle on working with the various parties involved in public art undertakings. This particular work was less interesting to me than the previous work at the same location.
ReplyDeleteWhat a privilege to have Frances McDonald in our city - the murals she does with kids are wonderful - a win-win situation: The people who live here get a warmer, more personal city,visitors get a glimpse of what this city is about, the kids get boosts in self-esteem and empowerment which they will carry with them throughout their lifetimes, and Frances gets the satisfaction of knowing EVERYONE, including herself, wins!
ReplyDeleteWhat a city does about public art expresses the values of the city. I am proud to live in a city which promotes the kind of public art which Frances and the kids exemplify - there's a warmth and humor to the murals - especially the latest one on Barton Ave - which makes me more certain I've chosen the right city to call home.
ReplyDeleteThis a great opportunity for kids who might not otherwise have a chance to explore this
ReplyDeletetype of expression & to find out what they are really capable of doing.
Bill
I love seeing artwork around our wonderful city, especially that which instills in our youth a deep pride and sense of community spirit. I do think more vibrant colors in the murals would help the images pop out even more. Many of the color choices seem muddy and not colors children would naturally gravitate towards.
ReplyDeleteDear Frances,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy that wall each time I pass it and feel that this is a great medium to allow youth in our community to express themselves constructively.
Charlotte Boatwright
What a great gift to the city of Chattanooga and especially to those who regularly drive by the Baker street wall.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS, all.
Marty
My children and I drive by the mural everyday. We love it... it's a great way to beautify an otherwise plain wall and also show's a sense of community. Great Job!!!
ReplyDeleteFrances,
ReplyDeletethis is super! It makes me smile! Thanks for all the creativity on display from you and the kids!
Sydney
With public art funding being cut back, we are so fortunate to have you, Frances, guiding Chattanooga kids in these wonderful art experiences that we all get to benefit from! Yet another way that Chattanooga shines! Much gratitude to you and to the kids.
ReplyDelete