St. Sebastian Catholic Elementary School
Mississauga, Ontario
Celebrating the Year of Virtues “God watches over us at work and play”
8’ x 32’, acrylic on masonite
The cooperative effort by every student in Grade 4 and 8 is displayed in the design and painting of this vibrant artwork commemorating the ten virtues.
The mural’s central image is the diverse planet Earth, out of which grows a tree of faith. The tree dominates the upper part of the painting, depicting the changing seasons shown in the colour of the leaves. Through the four seasons, the tree acts as a banner of love, hope, kindness, empathy, decision-making, conscience, acceptance, empathy, respect and fairness.
These virtues are depicted through scenes of cooperative learning. The tree’s branches symbolize the protection of the school community, a place where everyone comes to pray, work and learn.
This is the legacy that St. Sebastian Catholic School leaves to the future ambassadors of their faith, who will be graduating from the school into the society at large.
“Lydia’s artistic talents and positive attitude was a tremendous asset to the outstanding mural completion. The completed mural shows the artist’s commitment to teach and guide the children from start to finish. Her gentle and co-operative nature brought out the best in the students. The artist fostered a sense of accomplishment and pride in our students” Claire Devlin, St Sebastian Catholic Elementary School, Principal, 2008