This highly successful project clearly demonstrates the power of murals, to educate, stimulate, provoke, unite, and uplift--transforming neighborhoods into accessible, open-air galleries. Working Classroom's award-winning murals result from artistic collaboration and teamwork. Our model combines:

• Collaboration among student and professional artists and among artists, clients, and communities. Apprentice and master muralists collaborate to create the design, prepare the wall, and draw and paint the mural.
  
  
• Education and research--apprentice artists study history, conduct interviews, and comb archives. They write and edit artistic biographies and press releases.
  
  
• Employment and social skills--applicants fill out job applications and present portfolios at a formal job interview. Student muralists receive a stipend and work on signed contracts that spell our their rights and responsibilities. They are expected to arrive punctually, maintain accurate time sheets, comply with safety regulations, and behave respectfully. They meet with clients, attend community meetings, and discuss their work with reporters.

Working Classroom offers consulting services to organizations needing advice and assistance in designing and implementing community mural programs. For further information, please call
Nan Elsasser at (505) 242-9267.