Designed in collaboration with artist JaVon Townsend, the Rooted in Our Values pavement art project for Frederick Elementary School is inspired by plant root systems. In nature, roots keep the plant upright as well as bring in nutrients from the surrounding soil to allow continual growth. The pavement murals’ dynamic lines of orange, purple, blue, green, and yellow represent the energy of the students, faculty, and staff creating new pathways for themselves and their community. Layered on these foundational roots, the school’s official Adinkra symbols represent the values of wisdom, leadership, community, and creativity. The multipart project features murals at both school entrances, an art crosswalk, an agility trail, and a chalk art shield in the courtyard. Combined, the colorful, abstract roots and icons provide the students, faculty, and staff of Frederick Elementary School with the artistic inspiration to remain grounded and work together to create a better future.
Project partners: Frederick Elementary School, Baltimore Curriculum Project, Baltimore City Public School System
Production Team: Graham Coreil-Allen, JaVon Townsend, Melvin Jadulang, Mar Braxton, Maurice McCrimmon, Lydia Milano, Principal Tetra Jackson, and FES teachers and students
