The overarching theme of the GROW Initiative gathers artists of Oconomowoc with our common purpose of creation through collaboration to build community, coherence, and connections.  The GROW Initiative will result in student-constructed collaborative projects that will be placed on the OHS campus. These initiatives will revolve around the National Art Education Standards of Create, Present, Respond, and Connect. This authentic assessment opportunity will stay with students their entire lives.  With gracious funding by The Imagine A Day Foundation, this initiative will be an annually occurring experience.

Reinvigorating the GROW Day Tree

The design of the reinvigorated GROW tree

In 2019, OASD intermediate and high school artists created a metal tree sculpture as part of the first GROW day.  The 8th-grade students who participated in the first GROW day are now the OHS class of 2023 seniors.  The GROW tree has hosted several art installations during it's time on campus and this school year, the GROW tree will be changing yet again.

The original GROW tree was funded through a grant from The Imagine a Day Courtney Bella Foundation and this year, OHS industrial design students are creating acrylic tree hangers inspired by the poem, Imagine A Day, written by Courtney Bella.  The materials to create these tree hangers were one again funded through a generous grant from the Imagine A Day Foundation.

During the design phase for the tree hangers, students also discussed revitalizing the branches of the GROW tree which inspired a new collaboration for the project.  Industrial design students partnered with students in the manufacturing classes to design and construct new branches for the tree.  The new branches have more Ocon spirit and will be assembled and welded in the manufacturing classroom.  Student partnerships like this are possible because of the variety of classes and programs available at OHS, to spark student interest and creativity and bring together unique talents and perspectives.

The GROW Garden

Conceptual drawing of the future GROW garden

The next phase of the GROW initiative will begin to develop an empty courtyard area at Oconomowoc High School into a garden and outdoor art display space.  The garden will be created over time with a portion being completed each school year.  This collaborative project will bring together students from the art classes, agriculture classes, and manufacturing classes to create and maintain the space.