A Winkler-born artist travelled to Gretna Elementary School Monday to lead the students in painting a mural on the school walls.

The theme was "community and how we're connected", and each student was encouraged to sketch ideas to include in the mural. Those ideas were reviewed by mural artist Annie Bergen along with some older students with strong artistic abilities.

"We siphon through all the drawings and establish our criteria for what has to be on the design. Then we take those ideas and put them together into a final design," Bergen said. 

The three murals were based on the theme, "community and how we're connected".

All grades, from Kindergarten to grade eight, were involved in painting. Younger students shaped and filled in the background, and older students applied the details. The mural was completed Friday.

"I really liked painting the little details," said student, Katelyn Dyck. Who enjoyed brushing in the faces of the people, but her favourite part was the sunset.

As a guest artist, Bergen tries to show the students how exciting a mural project is, but also how much work there is.

"Generally the excitement builds," she said.

The strengths of children's artistic ability, according to Bergen, is honed by their experiences and interests.

"Farm kids for example, it's amazing how well they can draw a tractor," she commented.

Bergen came to Gretna through a Manitoba Arts Council program: Artists In The Schools. She has painted nearly 30 murals at different schools in the past 15 years.

"I like going into country schools," said Bergen. "I'm from the country myself, and it's nice to be close to where I was brought up."

After the mural was finished and the project was over, Bergen hoped the children realized that artistic skill isn't something some have and some don't. Rather, under proper guidance and mentorship, she believes each child can express their ideas on paper, canvas, or school walls.