I had the special opportunity to join the program for its thirtieth year serving the Somerville community. This year’s theme was the devastating impact of rodenticides on the ecosystem of the Mystic River Watershed. Rodenticides indirectly kill wildlife up the food chain. Eagles, hawks and owls feed on rats and mice that have been poisoned, leading to fatal internal bleeding. Our mural seeks to illuminate this pressing issue and influence local policymakers.

The program began this summer with a series of eight field trips around the Mystic River watershed with local naturalists and educators. Activities included kayaking and walking tours of the lakes, ponds and forests of the region. My role during this phase was to lead plein air sketching and encourage a visual investigation of the subject matter.

I learned David’s mural painting process that he has honed over the last thirty years, and observed how he provides leadership to the teen cohort. I enjoyed how much emphasis was placed on the teen’s individual expression and vision. Each of them as well as myself contributed their own sketch which David turned into a final composition for the mural. I was able to teach the cohort my own painting technique and guide their choices of color and mark making.