Monroe Demonstration Academy begins community-driven mural project

(TULSA, Okla.) Monroe Demonstration Academy, Tulsa Public Schools and their community partners: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Arts Alliance Tulsa, and FC Tulsa are thrilled to announce that the first two installations of the school’s Mural Project, painted within Monroe’s halls, are nearing completion. The project, which started in the fall of 2019 with artist selection and meetings with community leaders, will feature five total murals that embody each of the school’s values – Empowerment, Community, Respect, Responsibility and Excellence. “Back in July, we wanted to bring life to our walls, hallways, and building,” said Robert Kaiser, Interim Principal at Monroe Demonstration Academy. “We knew, at the time, that we didn't have any real imagery within our building that was truly reflective of our students, families, and community and we wanted to change that. Through our student, family, and community voice committee meetings, members of our school community designed these murals and collectively decided what imagery should be reflected within our school as it relates to our core values.” Kaiser said: “I am so thankful for all of the hard work from our amazing teacher leaders, students, families, and artists who together, worked to bring these ideas to life. These images will live forever within our building thanks to our amazing school community.” The first two murals under construction in the Mural Project reflect Empowerment and Community and are being painted by Lucinda Jones and Alexander Tamahn, respectively. “This entire project is a unique collaborative gift to our community, and we couldn’t be more humbled by the opportunity to participate in its implementation,” said Todd Cunningham, Arts Alliance Tulsa Executive Director. Following the holiday break, the project will continue in January with two more murals being added. In total, the murals adorning the halls of the school will serve as a focal point for Monroe Demonstration Academy, students, faculty and staff, and the community at large . “We have had the opportunity to engage with some of the students at Monroe Demonstration Academy through our work at the nearby Tulsa Dream Center,” said FC Tulsa president James Cannon. “To be involved in bettering our community through projects like this is our responsibility as Tulsa’s pro sports team and is built into the DNA of FC Tulsa.”