Osseo Middle School unveils mural

On the evening of April 24, staff and students at Osseo Middle School unveiled their completed Colors of Community mural, which reflects the shared history and vibrant spirit of the community. The mural, thanks to a grant from the District 279 Foundation, explored students' relationships with their surroundings through collaborative art and was spearheaded by art teacher Gretchen Abegglen, in partnership with Indian Education Specialist Jill Lindl and Artist in Residence Kevin Kluever. The mural, displayed in the hallway, will stay up for years to come. 

The first mural, created by the students in the first trimester of the school year, focuses on the past and narrates the rich history of Osseo. The hourglass symbolizes the passage of time, reflecting the transformation and acknowledgment of Dakota land into what became downtown Osseo. In the background, the tree connects to the roots and honors those who came in the past. In the foreground, the once-familiar chalkboard illustrates the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Ojibwe people, serving as a reminder of the wisdom passed down through generations. 

The second mural, created by students in the second trimester, focuses on the present and honors the land and people of present-day Osseo. The main street of downtown Osseo serves as the backdrop for this scene. Integrated into the street and sidewalks are flags representing the diverse countries that students come from. A pair of shaking hands symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and the importance of working together for the greater good. In the foreground, the unique gifts and skills that each student possesses are featured, emphasizing the Grandfather Teaching represented by the beaver, reflecting the wisdom to recognize one’s gifts and use them to benefit others.

Trimester three’s mural focused on the future. The mural begins with an eye, symbolizing a vision for the future. At its center is the Earth, representing hope for a lush world where plants and animals thrive. This mural proudly acknowledges that Osseo is situated on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. In the foreground, a giant turtle leads baby turtles, each carrying a different animal that represents the Grandfather Teachings. Above, an eagle, embodying love, soars gracefully in the sky. 

In all three murals, an Oriole is hidden to represent not just OMS but also another part of Ojibwe culture: Nanaboozhoo, a legendary shapeshifter who appears in many different forms, embodying various aspects of nature and life and serves as a cultural hero imparting wisdom and teachings to the Ojibwe people.