In an exciting collaboration with Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the fourth-grade students of Independence Primary School (IPS) have created a mural now proudly displayed at the museum. This mural was first showcased at the school’s annual art show on March 24 before finding its new home at the Rock Hall, where it will be featured at various events and locations within the museum.
The mural project began with a visit from Rock Hall representatives in January, where art teacher Mike Gruber and the students discussed the vision for this unique artwork. The mural consists of ten vibrant 4x4 paintings, each representing a legendary Rock Hall inductee, including icons such as Elvis Presley, Green Day, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Page, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Joan Jett, and Michael Jackson. The color palette for the mural was inspired by the Rock Hall’s branding, which the students received during a visit last winter to kick off the mural planning. Once the art show concluded, the mural was generously donated to the Rock Hall.
This year’s IPS Art Show embraced a retro theme, with hallways representing different decades from the 1950s to the 2000s. Students created artwork inspired by influential artists and popular styles of each period, adding a historical depth to the show. As part of the project, the fourth graders also completed a research assignment in music class focused on all Rock Hall inductees. This research gave them the opportunity to delve deeper into the music and artists, ultimately culminating in the creation of a painting inspired by their findings.
The mural was not only a chance for students to contribute to a cultural treasure in Cleveland, but it also offered a unique learning experience. In May, the fourth graders will visit the Rock Hall on a field trip to see the mural in person and explore the musician they researched.
This collaboration is part of IPS’s ongoing tradition of mural creation, with previous murals honoring local sports teams, animals, and even a memorial to a beloved music teacher. The partnership with the Rock Hall has given students the opportunity to blend art and music in a truly memorable way, contributing their talents to one of Cleveland's most iconic cultural landmarks.
