Unveiling of Ottoson Murals Set for Saturday

From the Arlington Public Schools

Ottoson Middle School on Acton St. in Arlington is pasting 100 very large portraits of students on its outside walls. Inside OUT Ottoson: This Is Who We Are is a public art project that aims to celebrate the diversity of the school community with the outside world. The unveiling celebration will be on the school grounds on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the public is invited.

The project was the idea of OMS art teachers Alecia Serafini, Polly Ford and Kayla McKenna, who wanted to find a way to use the power of art to advance the conversation about accepting and respecting all members of the school community regardless of race, gender, ethnicity and personal identity. “This Is Who We Are” is a response to the racist and anti-Semitic graffiti in the school last winter. The teachers, recognizing the ability of art to influence discussions, explain that participation in the Inside Out project gives students a voice both personally and publicly. Funded by the Arlington Education Foundation, the Inside Out project engaged over 150 students who enthusiastically managed recruiting and photographing students, making posters, setting up social media sites, and of course, being photographed.

Advisory classes introduced all OMS students to the Inside Out project. Learning about the public art opportunity led to meaningful discussions about "being the best you", taking responsibility for your actions, and celebrating difference. In addition, students recognize their connection to an international movement as their work will be shared on the Inside Out website, creating connections to communities around the world. Students reflect that the project will “show our individuality”. One student said, “We are different, but that's what makes us unique."

The School Department and the Town of Arlington have fully supported the project, and the organizers express their gratitude to David Ardito, Visual Art Director, Eileen Woods, Interim Principal of OMS, Kathleen Bodie, Superintendent of Schools, Town of Arlington’s Facilities and Public Works Departments, and Robert Jefferson, Arlington Fire Chief. They also appreciate the Arlington Advocate’s article about the project.

Learn more about the project here

Image via the Town of Arlington website.