The Lincoln Mural Project

                                      Title:   'The Lincoln Mural Project'             Medium: Acrylic triptych on foam-board           Dimensions: 4ft X 7ft (each panel)

The Lincoln Mural Project (Currently on display at the Paul Sawyier Public Library)

This project was designed to engage teenagers in a fun and creative learning process that combined art and US history in a way that would best depict and tell the life story of our 16^th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

The project was completed in four days, July 21-24.  Nine teen-agers ages 12-16 years old, living in Frankfort and the surrounding region, participated in the project.

Books and references were brought in by some of the students and were also checked out of the Paul Sawyier Public Library.

We were fortunate to also have the assistance of local artist Carla Phillips. She helped to answer questions from students and she also helped to guide them during the process. Thank you!

Instructors

Jennifer Zingg

Carla Phillips

The Process

Day 1

We divided Lincoln’s Life into three periods; his early life, political life and his death.

The students were then divided into the three groups and were asked to brainstorm for ideas, quotes, and imagery using the reference materials that pertained to these periods. They each sketched their plan out on paper and then began drawing it onto the foam-board using markers. When the preliminary sketch on the board was complete, students started to relief carve designated areas of the foam.

Day 2 

The drawings and carvings were completed on all the boards. As a group we critiqued the panels and made adjustments and additions before beginning the painting process. There were many discussions about Lincoln and the historical accuracy of the panels among the students. References were checked many times throughout the process.

It was also decided that the color scheme must remain and repeat in all panels.

Painting begins!

Day 3

Painting resumed and several more critiques were required throughout the day. The students loved to paint and were excited about what they were creating. Painting was completed for the day and a final critique was made. We decided that adding in all the final details would be the priority for the next day.

Day 4

Details! The students really brought the panels to life by adding in all the small details. The panels were allowed to dry and then we applied two coats of acrylic sealer to the panels.

The panels were complete!

I was amazed by the effort and attention given to this project by the students who participated. It was thrilling to see them so involved and excited about this mural. Each one of them brought forth a wonderful attitude and intelligence that helped to bring this project to life. The outcome of the three panels exceeded all of my expectations.

I would like to thank all of the students listed below who participated in the creation of the mural.

                 Jessica Howe       Caroline Muller     Jennifer Troth     Emma Bryan      Susan Hall

Derek Phillips     Taeler Ahl     Logan Weatherholt      Sheldon Cook     Ben Zingg (age 7)

 A sincere Thanks to The Kentucky Foundation For Women for helping to fund this site.

Kentucky Gourd Society

Email jennysart@msn.com