To contribute to the mural project, go to www.gofundme.com/egajpwuc
Walls, as a rule, serve to separate. For Bobbie Adamczyk, however, an extensive stretch of wall along Mitchell Road, in Norcross, has inspired the elementary teacher to spearhead an artistic initiative that will create the exact opposite effect.
Within the next few months, the five feet high and 26 feet long structure will become a colorful mosaic mural filled with artistic renderings of the Norcross community. Many of the artists are students in Norcross schools, their parents and other city residents.
“It occurred to me that it would be great to do a community project in the heart of Norcross, where the majority of our students live. This is something that traverses gaps, ages, races, languages,” said Adamczyk.
The idea is to represent the same mix of ethnic and cultural diversity that defines Norcross as a community.
“This creates a sense of belonging and connection. It tells them: ‘this is our home and we are doing this together.’ It also helps connect people with other groups,” said Adamczyk.
At Norcross Elementary, where 78 percent of the student population is Hispanic, fifth grader Johathan Arnol is excited to leave his mark.
“This is going to be the last year for everyone, and if we leave drawings on the wall it will be like a souvenir from when we were here learning,” he said.
“Our teacher has taught us to do something that everyone in Norcross is going to like,” said fellow student Melanie Delgadillo.
In order for this project to be completed, Adamczyk has called on the help of mosaic experts and specialists, who will teach the children how to prepare the pieces that will include two trees.
There are also monetary needs that must be met. Fund-raising efforts are underway to purchase materials so that the students can begin in March and complete by the end of the school year.
Primary funding comes from the Norcross City Council of Norcross and Gwinnett County, but Adamczyk also created a Go Fund Me page.
“It’s important for the children to be able to say in 20 or 30 years that they were part of this community beautification project,” said Julio Cabañas, assistant principal at Norcross Elementary.
“This tells them that they are improving their community, that they aren’t just Norcross students but rather members of the community,” he added.
Adamczyk is counting the days until the project begins, and she hopes that it has a lasting impact on the students.
“Sometimes children are told that they aren’t old enough to do certain things, but the reality is that these are their formative years, and the sooner that students learn that they are valuable in the community and that they can contribute to their community, that’s something that stays with them,” said Adamczyk.
She also hopes that the teamwork required by this initiative will serve as a testament to what a community can accomplish when it is united in purpose.
“I think that one person might not be able to do a lot, but many, many, many people can do great things, and that is the idea of this project, that sense of connection.”
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