Thursday, December 22, 2022

A Mural with Volcano View

 

Community mural in El Hato

I can’t complain about my “office”! This time I was working high up in the mountains above Antigua Guatemala, with a terrific view of the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. The village of El Hato is a far cry from the prosperous colonial town of Antigua. In El Hato, most people live in humble circumstances. Many of them grow flowers (mostly cala lilies, agapanthus and carnations) which they sell at the market of Antigua. The village just got a much-needed brand-new school building with plenty of blank walls. A perfect spot for a mural!

Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala

About two weeks ago I went up to meet the director Patricia Toledo to hear about her ideas and have a look at walls. Initially her idea was to have a mural painted around the sports court, but unfortunately that wall was in a rough shape (lots of humidity) and would need lots of repairing without the guarantee it would hold up a mural. In the end we decided on a wall next to the director’s office, at the entrance of the school, quite visible from the road. A perfect spot! The wall is 7 meters long and 3 meters high, a nice size to work at. Theme? Something positive, something colourful and with the flowers they grow in the community. And, as a special request, could we paint the school’s emblem on the wall too? Well, why not.
Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala

The whole project got delayed a bit because Covid finally caught up with me, but once recovered, Elio (AKA Henry) and I went up the hill and up the ladder. We didn’t involve any kids this time because of possible lingering Covid. The teachers had just started their holiday, so we had the place to ourselves.

The painting took a little longer than I had expected. Elio worked on the emblem, just needed me for the letters, that was all. Then he helped me with the background of geometric shapes that just take an awful long time to paint. Although the wall was brand new with a fresh coat of paint, it required no less than three layers to nicely cover up. Oh, and it was HOT! Freezing cold in the mornings, but as soon as the sun started peeking over the mountain, it was just blazingly hot with a blinding reflection on the white wall. But, a few days of hard work in and the mural was done…

Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala

When I sent pictures of the result to the director, she said she loved the mural, but when would I finish the school’s crest? I was like: Excuse me? It’s already finished!

No, she said, it’s missing the school’s name!

Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala

One of those facepalm moments. No one to blame but me… So soon I’ll make another trip up the hill… But, for now the work is done. I hope the kids like it too!

This mural was generously sponsored by Dutch Foundation Colour4Kids. (Thank you, Jos Ruijs!) Many thanks to Catherine for the ride and to David Dean for the contacts.

Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala

Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala

Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala