LaSalle II School Mural Ribbon Cutting ceremony was festive event

LaSalle II Mural and project participants

The ribbon cutting ceremony on June 3 for the new mosaic mural on LaSalle II Magnet School, 1148 N Honore St. celebrated the coming together of people and ideas. Focused on world languages and green living this new installation captures the schools essence. Located mainly on the Division St. side of the school it is a visual reminder of the school's beginnings.

Artists Kamelia Hristeva, Anna Soltys and Michal Taylor stand infront of their stunning mural

The mural is a bricolage (defined as a "construction or sculpture made from available materials"). It became a reality via a partnership between the school, businesses, community and Green Star Movement.

Green Star Movement (GSM) is a non-profit organization that uses creative collaboration with Chicago students to build community. GSM founder and one of the three artists on this project, Kamelia Hristeva says, "Our belief is that art and pride in one's space empower children and adolescents with the skills and confidence for unlimited future success."

Suzanne Velasquez-Sheehy, LaSalle Principal, begins the ceremony

"We want to unify Chicago," says Anna Soltys, Hristeva's assistant and the second of three artists on this project, "There shouldn't be borders or walls between communities so by creating this type of work around the city, we are able to unify the youth around the city. They can come together and grow as one."

Joseph Bentancourt delivers his comments

"Without these artists (Hristeva, Soltys and Michal Taylor), without their visioning, their patience and commitment to this project, we would not be standing here today. They facilitated the process of thinking of the theme with the sixth and seventh grade students, which celebrates diversity, respect and acceptance. Then they designed the mural  and worked along side our students and community members through out this process. We how them a great debt of gratitude, " said Suzanne Velasquez-Sheehy, the school's principal, as the Ribbon Cutting ceremonies began.

WPB logo was transferred to a tile

This closeup shows the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber logo with other logos and student contributions

She went on to thank Joe Betancourt, Local School Council member, who coordinated the project for his commitment from the start of the project and the various funders of the project. Funding included a grant from the WPB (SSA #33) and donations from the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce as well as several local businesses: Small Bar, Ruby Room, Bangers & Lace, Fifty/50, Ora dental, D/vision, Eye Candy, Boundary, Folklore, InnJoy, Hanik's, Letizias, Building Block, Wicker Park Fitness, Moonshine, Alliance Bakery, Armands Pizza, Subterranean, Doggystyle, State Farm, and Bucktown-Wicker Park Dental.

Closeup of part of the mosic wall

Alderman Moreno gives praises to all

"This Anderson LaSalle mural is a perfect example of the business community and our public schools, our arts community and our green community have all come together on a common goal and vision demonstrated here for decades and decades to come," said Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st Ward Alderman. "I know the children don't think that they will ever get older. But, you will some day and you will be able to come back and remember when this was crafted and created and it is going to be a memory you will have for a life time."

Alderman Moreno, Joe Bentancourt and two students cut the official ribbon

"This is history here. One day when you get older you will be able to bring your children here and show them what you did," commented Bentancourt. "This symbolizes unity between both schools (Anderson and LaSalle) and what you created is quite special."

The ceremony was completed with the official cutting of the red ribbon.

With the cooperation of the weather, the artists believe the mural will be completed in about a week. They have five weeks of work behind them.