A Progressive Mural: Black Water Burning

In response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico a group of BHS students headed by John McColl (art teacher), have started a progressive mural on one of the pillars in the Commons. The mural is a community effort which reflects the students’ feelings and reactions to the oil spill. It should raise awareness about this current issue. The idea came out of a class room discussion on the topic. Many questions could not be answered such as, “Why don’t the super rich oil companies have numerous back up plans that work immediately? Why doesn’t our government have laws in place to enforce effective back up plans?”
The mural started out as an oil rig in a beautiful ocean and clear sky. Each day the students paint the mural and as the disaster progresses, the oil rig has caught fire, blown up, and started to smoke and leak oil. The progression of the mural asks the question, “What Happens Now?” News articles and Post-it Notes reflecting student sentiment about the advancing oil have been tacked up so that as students walk by they are confronted by the problem and are forced to think about the possible impact and possible solutions.
Many students have begun to realize the gravity of the oil spill and take an interest in discussing it. We hope it in-spires many people to take action and speak out about the “black water burning” in the gulf. Please stop by and take a look at our mural as it highlights an issue that is of great importance to all of us.