We are pleased to present our newest accession of 2011!On April 13, Ms. Donna Schmitz, art teacher of Lothian Elementary School, presented us with the school’s mural of President Barack Obama, an adaptation of the now-famous “Hope” campaign poster designed by street-artist and political activist Shepard Fairey during the 2008 presidential campaign. The mural, designed to serve as a reminder of the positive spirit of that historic campaign and created to honor President Obama’s Inauguration in January of 2009, was a collaboration between students and faculty in which each and every member of the Lothian Elementary community participated. The mural itself was painted in sections by different students, and the “frame” that surrounds the mural is a collage that highlights and celebrates American diversity. The border contains the signature of each participant. The sides of the mural features postcards created by older students, which focus on the importance of core values that all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, hold dear: love, freedom, and the importance of education for our collective future.
Our mission here at Banneker-Douglass is to preserve and promote over 4 centuries of African American history, culture, and art in Maryland. President Obama’s election and inauguration are important parts of that history. Lothian Elementary’s mural functions as a reminder to all of us that educating young people about culture, public affairs, and museums is an important part of ensuring that story can move forward. We’re glad to have it as part of our collection.
