As a team, we researched the following:

• What is the best paints to use and how to use it?

  • Using exterior paints will last longer especially against the harsh South Dakota winters and humid summers.

  • Using flat paint vs gloss.

  • It was more cost effective to learn how to mix paints as well as color theory.

  • Learning on how to properly dispose of paints since it is a chemical.

  • Decided on what would best represent the Community. The weather or seasons as well as the pandemic, which both effect everyone. We also wanted to be positive so we decided on a quote from Torron-Lee Dewar. Focus on thriving not just surviving.

It was a long fence to cover, 193 boards, 6 inches wide and 6 feet tall. Making sure not only the drawing would fit but making sure the amount of paint was enough.

The weather was a huge factor in the progress of the fence. There was at least 3 days of rain, and lots of wind. There have been a few days of heat and humidity. We made sure to take breaks, drink plenty of water and dress for the day.

Color mixing wasn't as easy as we tried to make it. We needed specific colors that we could not get with our primary color paints. Whether it was the amounts of each or the color it's self posed a difficult challenge.

Not having a plan at the beginning on how to clean and reuse brushes and roller to be more cost effective. Once we figured this out, we were able to reuse our brushes and recycle items from home to use them as containers for paints, ie. plastic water bottles, plastic containers, etc. We also used plastic bags to keep paint wet on brushes, rollers and paint trays.

The most difficult part was getting started and making a final decision on what to paint. Many of the parties involved didn't know how to create a mural but there was also hesitation due to lack of confidence. Once we decided and committed to finishing, we were not only done before our deadline but ahead of schedule.

Getting the picture from paper to the fence, in order to help us with dimensions and perspective, we used an app called Procreate. We took the photo of our original drawing and a photo of the fence, and used Procreate to draw out the letters. We figured in order to get the whole quote we needed to use 2 to 3 boards for each letter, using a board as a space.

We had to learn about the difference between oil base vs water base paints. Water base paints are easier to dispose. Speaking of disposing of paints, because it is a type of chemical, we research on how to dispose and store paints safely.

We used math in measuring height, width, distance with amounts of paint and time it would take to paint the entire fence.