Washington County, Ohio — The Ely Chapman Education Foundation (ECEF) strives to provide academically-oriented, hands-on learning for our local youth. Today, this is being achieved through the restoration of a mural and the living rivers water display — a $10,000 project funded by the Ohio Arts Council and Marietta Community Foundation.

Both displays reside on the first floor of ECEF’s building, and have been admired and studied by thousands since their installation in 2000-2001.

Now they’re serving as a different kind of educational tool.

Alongside one of the original artists, Geoff Schenkel, the children enrolled in the S.U.N.S.H.I.N.E. Learning Station are actively involved in the restoration efforts. This allows kids of all ages to engage in art and self-expression, while learning about math, construction, historical significance, preservation and aquatic life.

Each week, the kids practice their skills and learn painting techniques on canvas, then apply what they learned to the wall and sculpture when Geoff is there. They’re also able to help with the construction aspects of the project as the water display progresses toward being functional again.

Lori Ullman, Executive Director, said that the kids are always excited to help with the project.

Experiential learning isn’t the only benefit of this project. Ullmann believes that the restoration of the displays will attract visitors to the building and help preserve the vision of the organization’s founder, Alice Chapman, who passed away in December 2020.

Ullman said that one goal is to restore the display to its original vision, but update it a little and seal it differently to help the colors pop.

“It has all of Alice, all of Geoff, a little bit of me… but it’s about bringing [the building] back to life,” said Ullman. “It’s a beautiful project to be a part of.”

Marietta Community Foundation supports philanthropy and efforts to improve natural, human and civic resources in Washington County through grants and initiatives. Founded in 1974, Marietta Community Foundation has grown to approximately $42.6 million in assets, oversees more than 300 funds and has distributed more than $22 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector.

If you would like to donate to the Community Impact Fund and help support organizations throughout Washington County, like the Ely Chapman Education Foundation, please visit www.mcfohio.org/donate.