Roseway Heights School
History
Ideas about the RiverScape Mural Project began to generate in the summer of 1999. As local (and global) water quality increases as a community concern, it seemed imperative to incorporate more awareness into our school.
Gregory Heights Middle School is located about 4 miles east of the Willamette River. Some of our students rarely have the chance to see one of Portland's most promient geographical features. And yet, many of the things they do every day impacts the river. Jere Fitterman, a 6th grade life science teacher, developed the project as a way to bring the Willamette River closer to the community.
In the fall of 1999, three grants were recieved to jumpstart our massive project. A mural committee, consisting of GHMS teachers, was formed to generate support in the school. An artist-in-residence was sought to direct painting activities. And an AmeriCorps volunteer was chosen to coordinate the field trips and other project logistics. By Feburary of 2000, paint brushes were submerged in an array of greens, blues, browns and greys. The shores of the Willamette River began to show themselves on our walls. After many months of brainstorming, networking and grantwriting, the RiverScape Mural Project was finally underway.
Watershed related issues are at the heart of this project. Doing a fun project like painting a mural will make the connection between the watershed and the river condition very real to the Gregory Heights community. Every time someone walks down the hall and views the mural, they will be reminded that their actions effect the river, actions as simple as their choice of transportation or how much water they use to brush their teeth.
