Her work can be seen in some of Ottawa’s other murals – notably the General Wallace mural – but “Imagine and Learn with Bob McGrath” is ALL Vicki Crone’s!

As the first Ottawa artist honored with a commission in the a brush with history program, Crone’s subject couldn’t have been more appropriate.

“I’ve always felt teaching is a very noble profession, and it’s a real privilege to not only be selected to paint a mural in Ottawa, but to do it to honor education,” she told the local newspaper.

The mural brightens the east wall of the Jefferson Elementary School. Its images symbolize and convey the themes and philosophy delivered daily to millions of children by the “Sesame Street” TV program, which starred Bob McGrath. As well as being a children’s TV star, McGrath, an area native, is also an author and musician.
Crone spent hours meeting with local educators, studying “Sesame Street” programs, examining textbooks and talking with McGrath himself before finalizing her design.

A long-time resident of Ottawa, Crone holds a bachelor’s degree in art education and a bachelor’s in biocommunications arts. She has created many different pieces of art using a variety of media … oil, acrylic, water color, pencil, pastels, and wire. Raised on a farm, she gained knowledge and appreciation of animals and nature. Additionally, she taught art and worked as a graphic designer and as a free-lance artist.

In 2005, her signature creation saluted the imagination of children everywhere and honored those educators who inspired us all!