A new mural has been installed at West Hartford’s Braeburn Elementary School.

By Ronni Newton

A mural at Braeburn Elementary School is intended to visually illustrate the love, equity, and diversity of the school community, and students as well as staff have been asked to share some of their thoughts about what the mural – completed by art teacher Molly DeNello during the 2021-2022 school year – signifies to them.

DeNello said when she planned the mural she collaborated with Jeff Sousa, former Braeburn principal, “to design a composition that captured the vision and the heart of our expression” and to continue to foster that in the community.  When Sousa departed the district for a superintendent position in New Hartford last fall, DeNello also collaborated with Interim Principal Kim Ambroise “to capture the voices of students, parents and caregivers and Braeburn Staff and leadership team expressing what the mural means to them.”

DeNello said, “If we are to prepare students to reach their highest potential, we must embrace our differences while recognizing the beautiful similarities we share that bind us together.” 

Braeburn mural. Courtesy photo

The following are some of the impressions provided by students:

“This mural is so special because it symbolizes peace and equality,” said Maddy, a Braeburn student. “My favorite part of the mural is that the hands are equal, not one bigger or more powerful than the other. The flowers are unique and diverse and each one is different. I love that the tree has hearts coming out of it symbolizing love spreading everywhere. I love the rainbow in the background, I think it means that at Braeburn, we welcome everybody.”

Ariana said of the mural: “It makes me feel free, like I can be anyone I want to be.”

“I feel some people who have different skin colors feel unrecognized and you shouldn’t feel that, anybody in this school can have a different skin color,” Joseph said.

Emilie said, “This mural makes me feel like I’m part of something special, a family. A family that is full of different people. They accept one another and that makes peace, happiness and love in the world.”

“When I look at this mural I see equality and a heart that shows that you will always be loved no matter who you are.” said Taelen.

Administrators, teachers, and staff shared some thoughts about what it means to have the mural in the school:

“As you enter the Braeburn doors it shows that all are welcomed and that our goal is to ensure that everyone feels valued, seen, heard. and supported. … The mural in our school means that wwe are showing that Braeburn honors and celebrates diversity in multiple ways. It’s so lovely that we show people the second they enter the building that we are an accepting and safe place for them and their students. … It means a culture, a family and a sign of a community together.”

When asked about what the mural does for them as educators, some of the responses were:

“Thoughts of love, empathy, acceptance of differences, and inclusivity come to mind when I look at the mural. The mural is one of the many things at Braeburn I am proud to show our community and families. … I think it reinforces the message of coming together but with a powerful visual. … The mural serves a reminder of the many parts of learning and ways to demonstrate through art.”

A new teacher noted that the mural “was a beautiful, inviting welcome as I walked into the school for the first time. I’m sure it has the same effect on everyone who walks into the school.”

One teacher said, “It’s a beautiful mural that represents all of the people in it. I think it represents inclusivity while recognizing our differences. It’s bright and cheery and welcoming because it’s the first thing you see upon entering Braeburn school.”

The mural was given by the Parents and Teachers of Braeburn (PTB) in honor of the class of 2022, and contains the following message on a plaque:

The Braeburn School community is committed to equity for all. We want to impress upon all that the message of love, equity and diversity have strong roots that permeate through us all. The mural is designed to express and foster a commitment to one another, each and every day. We look forward to our Braeburn community viewing the mural and generating their own interpretation of its meaning as well. Our mural is a timeless piece that inspires appreciation for all members of the community and relays that we are committed to positive change for a brighter future. We know that what binds us together far exceeds our differences; this mural reminds us that together we can be better than we think we can be.  

The PTB states that the mural celebrates equity in the community, and represents what the school is to the children, “a place of learning, joy and an overwhelming sense of belonging.” They are hopeful that the spirit of togetherness it represents will endure for future generations of Braeburn students, parents, and staff.

For more information about Molly DeNello (she works on commission, too), contact her through her website or visit her Instagram @mollydenello.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.