Mystic River Mural Project

The Process

Introduction

Each year, muralist David Fichter and his assistants invite environmental educators, amateur naturalists, and historians from surrounding communities to conduct workshops for the youth. From these workshops a theme is developed for the new panels.

Themes and Education

In the first year of the program, ideas were solicited in community meetings held in the neighborhood. Science teacher Scott Carpenter implemented the curriculum for the first four years.

Now, themes grow out of discussions around the existing mural, the interests of the participating youth and the focus areas of the educators, amateur naturalists, historians or other experts available for the project.

Canoe and hiking field trips are arranged and the field studies begin. Photographs, observations and sketches are made in the field in preparation for work in the studio.

In the Studio

Notes, sketches and photographs are brought back to the studio where the creative process continues.

Drawings

The new mural section design drawings are developed from field sketches and photographs taken in the field. Some years the youth do most of the design while other years, David Fichter does.

Signs

Each participant chooses a focus and makes a painting to develop painting skill and technique. These paintings are done on metal signs donated by the city and many have been installed in areas along the Mystic River. These focus paintings are often re-painted as part of the mural.

Painting

1. The panels are prepared for painting. Much time and care is taken to make them as durable as possible.
2. Drawings are developed from field sketches and photographs taken in the field. David works out the final design and draws it out using a projector to project the drawings on the panels.
3. Any silhouettes in the design are cut out with a scroll saw.
4. The painting begins! Some years the painting takes place in the Mystic Learning Center, other years we’ve been fortunate to have workspace in the Assembly Square Mall.
5. The panels are installed by the Massachusetts Highway Department.
6. An unveiling party may be scheduled if possible.