In May, senior art students unveiled a stunning mural titled “Island City, By Nature” at the School Board Office. This remarkable piece, created under the guidance of renowned artist Gary Nay, captures the essence of Richmond and celebrates the community's deep connection to the city. Each of the 22 locations represented in the mural was thoughtfully chosen by the 22 students in the class, reflecting their personal ties to Richmond.
The journey began months earlier when Gary started visiting the Grade 12 Art 2D class weekly. The collaboration kicked off with students studying Gary's previous mural works across Metro Vancouver. Inspired by his approach, the students gathered their ideas and images, which were then combined into a cohesive design. They created a color mockup and learned Gary’s signature "black line technique."
Throughout the project, students worked with latex paint and mastered the process of varnishing panels before installation. They learned to paint on large-scale wood panels, use controlled brush lines, and apply varnish. Beyond technical skills, the students also gained invaluable experience in collaboration —listening to others, adapting to new ideas and styles, working as a team, and trusting the creative process.
The culmination of their efforts was celebrated with an event attended by the artist, staff and students. This unveiling not only marked the completion of a beautiful artwork but also showcased the collective spirit and dedication of the students. 