Toussaint Garrick, a fifth grader at Emlen Elementary School in Mt.Airy, points to his work with teacher Denise Veronick proudly looking on. (Photo courtesy of MAAG)

by Sue Ann Rybak

 Mt. Airy Art Garage’s Community of Pride mural project, “What makes you proud,” transformed two barren elementary school hallways last week into vibrant, beautiful works of art. Approximately 25 students from Henry H. Houston and Eleanor C. Emlen elementary schools participated in the roughly $18,000 community project that began last fall.

Arleen Olshan, cofounder of MAAG, said the goal of the project was to “create a sense of community spirit and pride.” She said projects such as this one not only help to create a sense of community pride but also create a culture of respect that encourages children to embrace each other’s differences.

Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) connects and supports multi-disciplined artists and art lovers in Northwest Philadelphia in order to build a thriving, safer community. Olshan said MAAG continues to build local and city-wide partnerships “to bring art and creativity to people who currently have little or no access to them.

“We asked the children what in your life makes you feel proud. We got many different answers: ‘I am proud of my family.’ ‘I am proud of my work in gymnastics.’ ‘I am proud of my big brother who just graduated from high school.’

“It’s really important to bring art back into the schools because that form of expression nurtures friendships among the children, too. There was one little boy who was autistic and never talked to anybody. He made a best friend, and they would draw and paint together. Initially, he was closed off, but by the third or fourth class, he was excited about doing artwork with his new best friend. It’s important that in addition to the basics of education that they learn diverse ways of expressing themselves.”

Linda Slodki, the other co-founder of MAAG, said art provides a safe space to be creative. She said MAAG plans to return to Emlen in the fall to work on its literacy and art pilot program. Olshan said the project would not have been possible without the support of several local businesses and organizations including East Mt. Airy Neighbors’ Community Fund (The Philadelphia Foundation), Drumcliff Foundation, Elfant Ponz Properties, TRA Insurance Solutions, Univest Bank, The Artist and Craftsman Supply, Philadelphia Foundation, Huston Foundation, Haley Foundation and others. Slodki said its biggest donors, EMAN and The Artist and Craftsman Supply, “made this project happen”

Elayne Bender, executive director of East Mt. Airy Neighbors, said MAAG’s mural program “brings together students, artists, community, volunteers, teachers and administrators to create beautiful art that unites us all. The participants reflect the rich diversity of the neighborhood.”

Tammy Thomas, principal at Emlen, said students who participated in the mural program felt that their contributions were important to the school and the Mt. Airy community. “Seeing the mural come together helped the students showcase to their peers and family what actually makes them the proudest. It was definitely a sense of excitement for us all!”

In addition to the two murals, also on display was framed individual artwork by participating student artists. Their individual original works of art will be on display this summer at City Hall.

Dahneiya Moore, A fifth grader at Emlen School, said the project provided an opportunity for her to meet new people at school and in the community. Naomi Riggs, another 5th grader, said, "I like how we got to show our feelings through our art. We got to share it with the world. I like that someone loves my work and wants to buy it from me. It is something I will never forget.”

For more information about Mt. Airy Arts Garage, go to www.mtairyartgarage.org.