A new mural is taking shape in the English hallway, bringing color and excitement to the school. The mural looks like a giant bookshelf, filled with the favorite books of the English teachers.
The idea for the mural started after senior Symphony George-Munger, one of the artists, helped paint a mural in the art hallway. She enjoyed the experience so much that she began looking for another wall to brighten up.
“I helped out on the one in the art hallway, and it was really fun. I wanted to do something again. I went around surveying blank walls in the school, and this was my favorite blank wall. I designed the mural because it was in the English hallway. I thought, what fits with English? I thought of a bookshelf. Then we could put a bunch of the English teachers’ favorite books on it,” said George-Munger.
Before any painting began, George-Munger made sure the project had full approval. She created a sketch of the mural and showed it to the art teacher, Sarah Coulon, who already knew about her interest in doing another mural. Later, she talked directly with Dr. Wright about the idea.
“I drew it up and ran it by Mrs. Coulon. She already knew I wanted to do a mural. Then I found Dr. Wright one day and asked if I could do it. I told him my inspiration. He said yes. He also has some books on there too,” George-Munger explained.
As students work on the mural, many people walking by stop to compliment it. George-Munger said the positive reactions have made the project even more rewarding.
“One fun part was being able to do it with my friends. I like it when everybody walks by and says it looks so cool. They say, ‘We can’t wait to see it done!’ They praise us for doing it. I also like how excited the teachers are. They have a piece in the mural that is their own, George-Munger said.
The mural not only brightens the hallway but also shows how important art can be in a school setting. George-Munger believes creative projects give students a break from the usual routine. “It allows people to be creative and get some time away from academics. A lot of people sit through lectures and think, ‘What’s for lunch? I wanna go home.’ With art, they get free range. They can do what they want. It’s a way to express themselves. It’s fun and creative.”
