The students in the Advanced Spanish class at Georgia Elementary Middle School recently took a field trip to Dartmouth College. The students toured the basement of the Baker-Berry Library where a famous mural is tucked away.
This 24-panel mural is a “fresco” style piece of art entitled The Epic of American Civilization. It covers 3,200 feet and explores the history of the Americas through the lens of artist Jose Clemente Orozco.
Students participated in a workshop which involved careful observation, interpretation, drawing and presenting their ideas about the different pieces of the mural. Orozco took two years to paint this mural, and the students decoded most of it in two hours – no easy challenge! This opportunity was rare and students were able to use their knowledge of culture, history, art, religion and Spanish to aid in interpreting the murals.
“I enjoyed seeing the murals. They are unique.” – Tanisha G
“I was challenged by trying to understand what the art meant.” – Jacob H
“I enjoyed the bus ride and the facts behind each art piece. I learned more about the past from them.” – Taylor R
“I learned more about the type of painting he used (fresco).” – Sydney L
“I enjoyed eating lunch in the middle of the college.” – Tallon S
“I learned that Orozco cared about the future.” – Andrew Y
The FWSU Story 