I am honored to share the history of the beloved Shaker Tree mural at Canterbury Elementary School, a timeless symbol of community spirit that continues to resonate even 30 years later. This mural, now a cornerstone of pride for the school, was created through the collective efforts of students, staff, and the broader community, guided by the vision of artist Emile Birch, who led the project as part of an Artist in Residence program in 1995.
 
The stunning tree was crafted by local artists David Lamb and Rob Zielenski, with the active participation of parents, teachers, school administrators, and community members. A particularly pivotal figure in this project was CES teacher Kimberly Briggs, whose leadership and coordination were absolutely essential in bringing this dream to life. She worked tirelessly to ensure every detail came together seamlessly, fostering collaboration and dedication from all involved.
 
The project was made possible through a generous grant from the NH State Council on the Arts, as well as support from our PTO. Today, the Shaker Tree mural stands as a testament to the enduring power of community collaboration and artistic expression, a legacy that continues to inspire both those who were part of its creation and the generations who have followed.
 
Arts Integration at CES has continued this school year, allowing classroom teachers to collaborate with the visual arts teacher to achieve curricular goals and to promote learning through, about and with the arts. Here are a few highlights from this year:
 
In late October, CES students in 3rd and 4th grades hosted the annual Harvest Supper. Each student created a handmade clay bowl for soup. This activity was inspired by the Empty Bowls project, developed by an art teacher to promote art learning, community involvement, and service. The soup bowls symbolize both full and empty bowls, helping learners empathize with others in need of food. Students created an original clay bowl using clay and a slab technique. The bowls were decorated with stamped patterns and colored glazes, requiring 2 firings in our kiln. Each student wrote an artist statement and wove a display placemat for their bowl. Families enthusiastically brought the bowls home to use and or display in their homes. This is a wonderful community tradition at CES that also allowed us to raise funds that were donated to the Loudon Food Pantry. 
 
Second graders explored the work of Sol LeWitt, an American artist renowned for his “instructional” wall drawings. LeWitt believed that the idea behind an artwork was more important than the artwork itself. His instructions often featured geometric shapes and vibrant colors. Following a detailed set of instructions, the students created their own grid drawings using crayons, then added color using a tissue paper bleeding technique. This project helped strengthen their Habits of Work, particularly in listening and following instructions accurately. Soon, we’ll be displaying our individual creations together to form a large wall drawing at CES!
 
Our primary learners are also engaging in art integration lessons. Kindergarten students explored the artistic style of Eric Carle by creating collages. They learned about his unique technique and then painted their own papers to construct a pumpkin landscape. First graders will be connecting their literacy program with art as they create still lifes, landscapes, and portraits!

~ Erin Chubb