Last week our students finalized their compositions based on Swahili proverbs and painted four large murals, each 8 ft x 5 ft. When asked all said they loved the project and most stayed late everyday engrossed in the work. Some were big picture artists, while others took on the detail work. Together they created murals that showcase the beauty and diversity of the Likoni community.
On Saturday we concluded three weeks of art education and mural making by taking 31 students, our two art teachers, some of the Hatua staff and Brigid, our FSD Intern, on a field trip to Diani where we visited the Diani Beach Art Gallery, a gallery dedicated to fine African art. Learn more at dianiart.com. Brigid organized the gallery tour together with Diani Beach Art Gallery’s owners who generously hosted our group and exposed them to the breath of styles being created by East African artists. The students were given a private tour and walked away inspired. The gallery owners saw photos of the student’s murals and were extremely impressed with their talent, they even offered to feature our students’ art on the gallery’s Facebook page.
After the galley visit we spent a few hours at the beach, eating a delicious pilau lunch and playing in the surf. For 19 out of the 31 students this was their first trip to Diani. Everyone had a wonderful time and it was the perfect ending to a rewarding student project. Now our goal is to find ways to leverage the murals to develop awareness and a new income stream for Hatua. Given the initial reaction and feedback this should not be difficult.