Cooperative effort by multiple classes installed in cafeteria

By Kaycie Peck

High School/Middle School Art Teacher

The dynamic “Falcons Fly Together” art installation is complete! This series was collaboratively created in 2022 by artist John Kowalczyk, Natasha Monahan’s art classes, my art classes and Art Club, and Jerry Trzebiatowski’s Maker’s Club students.

Ideas and concepts for the piece were collected from the students and incorporated by Kowalczyk in the overall design. There are 12 falcons at different stages in their lives that represent grades 1-12. The nest with 3 eggs represents K3, K4, and K5. The river pays homage to the Tomorrow River and the sun represents the beautiful landscape in Amherst. The blue color palette was chosen by students and coordinated with the school colors. Stamps were designed and printed on the cloud shapes that represent the clubs, sports, and other interests students wanted to feature in the artwork. The goal is for every student in the Tomorrow River School District to see a part of themselves in the piece.

Kowalczyk said he believes that everyone should have access to art and creativity in their life and that there is power in working together to create a unified community.

A huge thank you goes to the Tomorrow River School District’s maintenance department that helped install the art after school was out.

And major congratulations are in order for all the hardworking Amherst artists for their ideas and skills. We hope every Amherst Falcon feels seen in this mural and knows that they belong. We Falcons Fly Together.