“In Harmony, Small Things Grow”, is the motto of the Xaverian Brothers. The motto and the Brothers’ five spiritual values speak to the transformational growth at the heart of the Good Counsel student experience.
This 60′ ceramic tile mural forms the grand entry of the Performing Arts Center.
Good Counsel came to us in 2012 before the silent phase of their campaign. Our challenge was to showcase the school’s values and culture in a meaningful work of art.
The mural is structured around five arched “windows” each representing one of Good Counsel’s Xaverian values. Choosing the imagery for each value sparked a client-artist dialogue about the school’s core identity- past, present and future.
Simplicity is represented by the Virgin Mary cradling, Jesus. The depiction is modeled on a statue located at the front entrance of the school and for whom the school is named.
Humility is depicted by a group of Xaverian Brothers wearing the traditional habit. The Brothers opened the school in 1958.
Compassion is shown by student hands reaching out to engage with the world in service to others.
Zeal is portrayed by Good Counsel students on stage showcasing their remarkable talents.
Trust is symbolized by the path that leads graduates to a future full of promise. The falcon, a symbol of strength, freedom, and majesty, soars overhead. The falcon is also the school’s mascot.
Additional Mural Symbols
Cherry trees are traditional symbols of sweetness of character derived by good works. The cherry tree that stood in the Senior Courtyard on the school’s original campus in Wheaton.
White Dogwoods have flower bracts that resemble the nails that held Jesus to the cross. The tree represents new life and new beginnings as it blooms in Spring around Easter. The trees and shrubs represent the passage of the seasons and signify the growth and transformation of the students.
Fir trees symbolize patience and outreach toward Heaven. They refer to the spiritual growth and faith formation nurtured and developed at Good Counsel.
Oak trees symbolize endurance in the face of adversity. Each Good Counsel student is challenged and nurtured in the pursuit of excellence.
Our design materials formed the centerpiece of their campaign literature. Branding their campaign by attracting positive attention, and motivating increased giving.
The school successfully raised $10 million and credits our work as a major factor in meeting their goals.
This comment sums it up. “You described to me what this wall would look like and even showed me pictures. But it is so breathtaking, and it is so much more than I imagined it would be. It’s beautiful, and I can’t wait for our names to be up there.“
Donor Room Plaques, Donor Gifts, Custom Cards & WaterColor Wall Recognition Panel for theater seat donors
Upon completion of the donor wall, OLGC commissioned us to design and fabricate complementary room naming plaques and donor gifts.
We believe that when you have an image that resonates, keep using it. Reinforce the impact by reiterating the imagery. Think of the donor wall as a branding system. Use it on room naming plaques, promotion materials such as donor gifts, thank-you notes, annual reports, etc.
Location: Olney, Maryland
