In 2002, through a grant from the Strolling of the Heifers Foundation, a project coordinated by the Putney Historical Society combined efforts of Putney Central students and teachers, Putney farmers and residents, and Putney artists. PHS volunteers walked students to various sites around town.
The result was a set of drawings, which were then used to create ceramic reliefs of historic farmhouses and buildings by the PCS students. These are mounted on the wall of Putney Central, by the busy, north entry to the glass hallway. Over the past years, weather, salt, and abrasion have eroded the works to a state of considerable deterioration.
In April of this year, Stuart Strothman took a personal day from his job and restored them, giving them a fresh background of enamel paint, and gluing broken pieces of ceramic together.
Principal Amelia Stone subsequently sent the following note:
Stuart,
On behalf of the entire school community, a BIG thank you!
The clay murals look awesome. The colors really make those historic homes pop.
Everyone that sees them, agrees.
Amelia
What was particularly nice about this effort was that it was fun to do, and not very difficult! Also, many adorable children stuck their heads out the door to say thank you, as well.