Picasso claimed that it took him four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. He also maintained: Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
Last year the Achievement Learning Centre, a school for children who learn differently, asked me to paint a mural along their school wall. Regardless of my reservations about community murals (See sculpturestudiodominica.blogspot.com for 17th October 2015) I was willing to help. However, emergencies meant that, for my part, the project had to be postponed.
Me stepping aside was the best thing that ever happened, because a few weeks ago the children themselves created the mural. And let me tell you, it is a hundred times better than anything I could have done! Red Mango Studios deserve credit for their role in directing the project.
Here are just two of 14 paintings that make up the mural.
Incidentally, Shallah is the six year old daughter of my model Jessica. Whereas I am dyslexic, Shallah is autistic. Hence, we both have similar abilities!
Well done children, I’m proud of you…and I’m sure that Picasso would have been equally impressed.
Thank you Mr.Burnette for this article.. We are happy when members of the public take note of the work that we do.. We dont take any moment we share with the children for granted. They were very involved in the project and the paintings are their inner expressions. We embrace their differences and creativity and celebrate them.Keep commenting and please visit at any time. We are located at 3 Elliot Avenue Pottesville . Please fel free to browse through our facebook page :Achievement Learning Centre. Thanks for again for the article and for the wonderful comments.
Beverly LeBlanc
Director
2We plan to put new art work on the wall. The children loved the project so much that they did multiple paintings. As we lose ones to weather, we will try to replace them. Keep commenting. We share them with the children.
School Coordinator
good job my dear little ones.
Beautiful!! And so true. Children are so artistic.
Where is the school and wall located??
The school is located on the left at the Roseau end of Elliot Avenue, just after after you pass over the bridges heading north.
Unfortunately, the recent wind and rain has brought down some of the images. Perhaps one of the sign printing companies could sponsor something more permanent. Alternatively, the students could keep posting new images to keep the initiative alive.
…and every Artist is a child!