NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - s4story -- Work begins this week at the Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) on a mural that will honor the memory of the school's beloved patron, Joan Jacobs. The school has commissioned renowned muralist Sophy Tuttle to create the three-story mural on the south side exterior of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for STEAM Education in honor of Mrs. Jacobs who passed away in May of 2024.

School officials have worked closely with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River and with Design-Art-Technology Massachusetts (DATMA) to bring the project to fruition. Diocesan officials gave final approval for the mural to be installed on the building which is owned by the diocese. The staff at DATMA worked closely with GLCPS to identify a muralist, guide the design process and help with logistics.

Part of the design process included arranging for Ms. Tuttle to meet with GLCPS students who offered ideas for the mural, some of which are included in the final rendering.

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Each element of the mural tells the story of Mrs. Jacobs and the Jacobs family, including their passion for and contributions to art, education, technology and nature.

"I'm thrilled that this project is underway, said GLCPS Executive Director Stephen Furtado, Jr. "This mural will exist as a focal point at the heart of our campus and will also be a key landmark in our greater community. Throughout the design process, we wanted to make sure we honored Mrs. Jacobs with intent, and in a way that allows us to speak to her life, passions, and the connection both Mrs. and Dr. Jacobs share with our school."

Mr. Furtado first proposed the mural project several months ago. He spoke to Dr. Jacobs about it last May during his annual visit to New Bedford, his birthplace.

Once the exterior of the building is cleaned and dried, the artist will create outlines of the design. The primer will be applied on September 3rd, after which the artist will be painting the mural beginning on Thursday, September 4th. It's expected the project will take ten to 14 days to complete.

For questions about the project, please contact GLCPS Executive Director Stephen Furtado, Jr.

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