Grade 7 students at Groh Public School embarked on an ambitious year-long journey to create a stunning piece of public art now proudly displayed in the school's front foyer.
Guided by professional blacksmith Sandra Dunn and supported by public artist Paul Kalbfleisch, students explored the question: "How might public art tell the story of our community?" The result: Forging Legacies, a handcrafted copper globe surrounded by metal feathers and symbolic elements, covered in thousands of hammer marks, created by students and Sandra Dunn. The piece reflects themes of immigration, belonging, and unity gathered from interviews with immigrant families in their community.
Students used design thinking to ideate, collaborate, and prototype. They worked in groups, hosted a community storytelling event, and had the opportunity to experience the art of blacksmithing for the first time. Through every step, they uncovered stories of arrival, resiliency, growth and the deep roots that tie the school community together.
Students hope that when future generations walk past Forging Legacies, they will see more than a beautiful sculpture. They will recognize the hard work, the history and the heart behind it, and maybe even be inspired to create something meaningful of their own.
