The Ridgewood Art Club students were very thrilled to receive a special request this year - create a mural that celebrates the Fire Department’s first responders!
According to Mrs. Machaj, Ridgewood’s Art Club sponsor, “Norwood Park Fire Chief, Dave Blondell, inquired about the possibility of the students creating the mural in the fire house’s meeting room. The 30 foot wide mural would be viewed and enjoyed by both the first responders and the community.”
Chief Blondell provided the Art Club with a variety of photos, from the past and current, illustrating the firefighters and EMT’s in action. The students selected and collaged the photos to create a mural design they named “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future”.
Once the final design was approved, the students set to work. “We began the project on January 10th and plan to finish by March 22nd,” said Mrs. Machaj. “Students began by tracing the mural design on the wall using an overhead projector. Now we are working on blocking in (painting) the main colors. The next step will be applying details including shadows and highlights, and then finally the outlines. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to work on a real-world project that will impact our community. They are both honored and excited!”
Tracing the Mural Design
Painting the Main Colors & Shapes
The Mural Team includes:
- Fire Chief: Dave Blondell
- RHS Art Club Sponsor: Sarah Machaj
- Student Teacher: Jasmine Zuniga Students
- Patricia Adamczyk, Isabel Cabrera, Ailyn Domalanta, Valeria Echavarri, Joseph Headley, Emily Nowak, Nathan Ola, Joanna Qunitana, Dayannara Ramos
- Alumni: Isabel LaRose
- Community Member: Cinnamon Machaj
- Community Member: Matt Rivera