Gibraltar Elementary Students Create “Lucky to Live By the Bay”

Students prepare to add their mark to the mural. Photo by Len Villano.

This article began as what was going to be an interview with well known Door County artist Liz Maltman. As I began talking to Liz by telephone I realized her focus was on her current project, a mural that was recently placed in the Gibraltar Elementary School.

I became more interested as she described the project and was impressed with the magnitude of 280 children working on one huge art project. (Hopefully the Liz Maltman interview will be finished and published along with examples of her dynamic colorful paintings soon).

The theme of the mural is “Lucky To Live By the Bay;” Liz worked with a dedicated group of instructors from the school and many volunteers. The project coordinator is Vinni Chomeau, who is briefly interviewed in this article.

More than 250 children contributed to the mural. Photo by Len Villano.

For this K through 6th grade project the children picked an animal that lives in Door County, then did research and drawings of the animal. The artwork was attached to canvas and mounted on the mural, which was unveiled to the public on Dec. 19.

Friends of Gibraltar is an organization that existed since 1982 and was the idea of Ann Emerson. It connects parents, organizations and individuals to Gibraltar School and every year has projects that provide experiential learning opportunities. The group provides learning in arts, science, history and brings experts in these fields to interact with the students.

Chomeau has worked with the Friends of Gibraltar for seven years as the project coordinator. This project she was assisted by many people including Liz Maltman and Mary White along with Gibraltar teachers. The complexity of dealing with a project this large with so many involved would seem almost overwhelming but the students seem to enjoy the process.

Chomeau explained to me how the students benefit in many ways learning not only research abilities but also learning teamwork and how to begin and see a project to a successful conclusion.

The following is a brief interview with team coordinator Vinni Chomeau:

Randy Rasmussen (RR): Vinni, in our interview you said you were born in Arizona and then lived in many places. How did you end up in Door County?

Vinni Chomeau (VC): My Grandparents had a home in Fish Creek and I spent many summers coming to visit Door County. I worked several summers in Door County and I took advantage of the opportunity to come and live in the area.

Photo by Len Villano.

RR: Is this the most complicated project the children have attempted?

VC: We have done different projects with different age groups. This is involving K through sixth grade. The projects differ as we involve older students.

RR: What are some of the other projects that the children have attempted.

VC: Several years ago we had the seventh grade address community needs. First the needs were determined, and then solutions formulated.

Packages were delivered to the homeless. A fundraising operation was held for the humane society. Our organization holds a yearly Spanish literary celebration with a dinner and programs at the school.

We have also had cross-cultural experiences which I think have been beneficial. The children were able to have lunch with The African Children’s Choir.

I not only see the children learning and enjoying the programs but their teachers tell us how much they see the benefit in their students.

RR: How are your experts that are the basis for the programs selected?

Photo by Len Villano.

VC: The Friends of Gibraltar meet and discuss ideas for the yearly program. One things leads to another and names are discussed and we have input from the teachers in the Gibraltar School. It all comes together.

RR: When the mural is installed the readers can visit the school and see the piece?

VC: We are planning this to be a movable yet permanent installation so it will be available for viewing.

RR: With the success of the Friends of Gibraltar program have you been contacted by other schools for information about setting up similar program?

VC: Yes, I have been contacted and am happy to share information about our program.

RR: When I first started talking to you many volunteers were mentioned and I know you want to thank them.

VC: I would like to give a special thank you to the dozens of volunteers who have helped us with this project. A special thank you to Karla Donohue, Emily Salm, Roberta Champeau, Mary Schultz, Steve Higginbotham, the Gibraltar School art teachers, the Artists Guild, Nelson’s Hardware and the Peninsula Art School for providing space.

RR: Thank you, Vinni. I look forward to seeing the mural.