A Taste of the Southwest at Tonalea
Students, teachers, PTO create a lasting impression with interactive mural

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (August 1, 2005) Desert turtle, rabbit, snakes, scorpion, lizard, coyote, owl, cacti and Camelback Mountain are just a few new additions to Tonalea Elementary School’s campus that students will see when school starts on Monday, August 22.

This interactive, textured mural was designed, created and installed by students, teachers, staff and parent teacher organization (PTO) members.

“The mural was created to add color and beautify the school,” said Lesa Friend, principal.

Planning of the mural started in November of 2004. The students, teachers, site council, PTO and others worked together to come up the desert scene theme.

Once the scene was decided, the design was mapped out and drawn on plywood. Then each piece of the design had to be numbered and a white copy of the mural was made with butcher paper. The plywood was then cut apart into the 1,500 individual pieces and numbered. Organization was the key to keeping this complex project on track.

“This project gave the students an opportunity to take part in a large scale clay project, and leave a lasting impression on the school and future students,” said Eric Cacioppo, a former art teacher at the school who spearheaded the project.

Students and parents made every piece of the mural. Even art students at Coronado High School were enlisted to help out on the project.

The mural was installed after school was out for the summer. Mr. Cacioppo used a process called bisque and glazed firing techniques to treat the pieces. The PTO moms glazed the pieces, adhered them to the wall and grouted them.

The PTO funded the cost of the mural, which cost $700 to $1,000. Additionally, the PTO received donations for the grout.

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