L-R: Oksana Tanasiv, Shannon O’Toole, Tricia Massucco, Novelette Peterkin
On Wednesday evening, the Concord Magnet School (CMS) community came together for a joyful and heartfelt unveiling of “Our Family”—a vibrant mural created by Carver 5th Grade Scholars in collaboration with internationally acclaimed local artist Oksana Tanasiv (Oksi). The event marked the culmination of a six-month journey made possible through an ARP ESSER Innovation After School Grant, which was initiated by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) to support the development of innovative after-school programs, emphasizing collaboration with local and community partnerships. The result is nothing short of extraordinary.
Shannon O’Toole, President of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, and Kevin Wing, the Chamber’s Director of Membership, welcomed guests to the event. Their presence underscored the city’s strong support for youth-driven, community-rooted creative expression.
Tricia Massucco, Carver’s Director of Elementary School Programs, led a moving presentation about how the project came to life through meaningful conversations with CMS faculty member, Wanda McGahern, artist Oksi, and the students themselves. From the beginning, the vision was clear: to create something deeply personal and lasting that reflected the true spirit of the CMS family.
Wanda McGahern emphasized that the mural is a living work of art. “As our CMS family grows,” she shared, “we’ll continue to add to the mural. It’s a visual story of who we are—and who we are becoming.”
"This mural is a beautiful reflection of the love, pride, and unity that define our Carver Scholars and the Concord Magnet School community," said Novelette Peterkin, Carver’s Chief Executive Officer.
At the heart of this mural is a celebration of culture and identity. Oksi—who taught in Ukraine before becoming a professional artist—guided students through a powerful exploration of geography, ancestry, and culture. Each flag represented on the mural was carefully created by students after talking with their parents and grandparents about their heritage. Oksi also gave an inspiring presentation on every country represented, sparking pride and curiosity among the students.
One CMS student said, “It was so cool to learn where my family is from—and to see it on a mural that everyone can enjoy every day.” Another added, “I didn’t know that so many countries were part of our school. It made me feel like we really belong together.”
Oksi, who lives and works in South Norwalk, has had an art gallery in the city for many years. She shared that she has always wanted to give something unique to the community that welcomed her. She has done just that with “Our Family,” leaving a lasting, colorful gift that reflects Norwalk’s rich diversity and shared humanity.
This mural is a shining example of what happens when art, education, and community unite. Thanks to the ongoing partnership between CMS and Carver, supported by innovative state grant funding, students will continue to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences like this one.
📍 Concord Magnet School – where every culture is celebrated, and every child’s story matters.
🎨 Thank you, Oksi, for helping our students make their heritage a masterpiece.
❤️ "Our Family" is not just a mural—it’s who we are.
