Mammoth UP-Cycled Mural

Sutter Park Elementary. Worthington, OH. 
Breath-taking. Monumental. Amazing! TRASH!!! 
Talk about a Rainbow Within Reach!!!

Look over my shoulder as I enter Sutter Park for my two day residency. 
It was all I could do to walk past the entrance hallway and force myself to go into the front office to get myself officially checked in and registered for my Author Illustrator School Visit. 


This is the ULTIMATE of the UPcycle murals of all time! Not only because of its amazing color and design and workmanship, but because the ENTIRE mural has been 'up-cycled' from its original installation placement. It is my understanding that this glorious work was designed and created for Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. It was destined for the ultimate trash-heap having outlived its usefulness there, when a volunteer at Sutter Park asked to have it relocated to the elementary school hallway. 

Needless to say I am short a few details on the who, what, when etc etc. but I thought you'd all appreciate just knowing such a possibility as this exists!!! 
On Planet Earth! In Ohio! In Worthington! In an elementary school!! 
ENJOY!! ENJOY!! ENJOY!!

Butter lids, peanut butter tops, water bottle, soda, detergent lids -- you name it! Each was welcomed and designed into the overall scheme of things. I took some close ups so you can see how the lid-tops were riveted to what appeared to be sheets of painted plywood. How many can you identify?


How many lids? What a great project for an estimation!!

I could have taken pictures of details and close-ups all day, just imagine how many people were involved in saving all of the ingredients of this project!!! WOW!!! Kudos to those who designed and directed the original installation. KUDOS to those who 'saved' it and moved it for a whole new generation of appreciators. 

My purpose to be in the building was to share my original children's songs with the preschool units. All of the children with special needs of the Worthington School District are brought together at Sutter Park. "Have guitar will travel." 


What an amazing couple of days we had together. The parents organization decided that the children would have the best possible experience by having the smallest groupings possible, so we had TWO days and smaller groups. EVERYONE was able to have time to strum my guitar as we sang that musician's name! 

Welcome if you're new here. My long-time followers know that I have a 'thing' about handwriting and fine motor. Every Friday I have an article on the topic. So receiving this card below, filled with signatures holds a warm place in my heart. [Click "Fine Motor Leads to Fine Arts" for the ongoing series.] 

Have I mentioned recently how much I LUV LUV LUV getting to make school visits? Have I mentioned how much I LUV getting to share these amazing places with you here? It's pouring outside as I post these photos. I hope that they brighten your day and inspire you in every way. Look for the potential in every bit of your surroundings!!! Even that lid to your detergent could spark a creative soul!

Recycled 'lids' for use with letter recognition

I had an earlier 'guest-author-post' here in the spring using bottle caps in a creative manner. I bet you'd like to see that by clicking back right here. What other uses can you think of for those lids?

--Debbie--