Gabriel Pons collaborated with Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary to paint a mural as part of an ongoing initiative by the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center , Stafford County Public Schools and the Stafford Education Foundation. The goal of the mural initiative is to highlight the unique history and culture of Stafford County in new and innovative ways.
Located in the school’s cafeteria, the mural is titled, “Legacy”, and depicts the school’s namesake, Kate Waller-Barrett with an assembly of families, rendered in gestural lines and forms. At the start of the project, my initial question was “Who is Kate Waller-Barrett? and how can I spark interest in her story?” After doing plenty of homework, I assembled this summary which only scratches the surface:
Kate Waller-Barrett was born in Stafford County on 1857 and grew up to became a prominent physician, social reformer, and humanitarian. Dr. Barrett became General Superintendent of the National Florence Crittenton Mission, a progressive organization established in 1883 to assist unmarried women and teenage girls in need. She also played an active role in the National Council of Women. Her multi-faceted work impacted the health and livelihood of countless women of that era, advocating for women’s suffrage, healthcare and education.
Preliminary Concept Drawing
One of the most impressive qualities of Kate Waller-Barrett’s impact on the community was her sustained efforts at social justice for women through political activism. She was vice president for the Equal Suffrage League in Virginia, president of the National Council for Women, president for the American Legion Auxiliary, and vice president for the Conference of Charities and Corrections of Virginia. Her lifelong investment in social work has impacted countless families. Thanks to Kate Waller-Barrett Principal Rachel Novak and art instructor Sarah Hudson for their logistic support and collaboration throughout the project. Also, thanks to Susan Henderson of the Stafford Museum and Cultural center for doing some archival hunting to locate Kate Waller-Barrett’s signature for me to incorporate in the mural artwork. Most importantly, thanks to all the students and faculty of Kate Waller-Barrett. I spent a total of 70 hours painting in the cafeteria and can attest to the students’ curiosity, exuberance, and fascination with the mural-making process. This project became more than paint on a wall, and turned into an interactive and immersive experience for the students - prompting them to ask questions and igniting their interest in our region’s history.
This project is a partnership between the Stafford Museum Cultural Center, Stafford Public County Schools, and the Stafford Education Foundation.