Our talented National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students have left their creative mark beyond the classroom walls, recently completing a vibrant mural in the Conference Room at City Hall! This exciting project, spearheaded by Nate Mara, offered our students an invaluable real-world art experience.
The journey began when Mr. Mara approached the art department with a vision. From that initial spark, our dedicated NAHS members – Carly Smith (12th grade), Mylie Dobson (12th), Brooklyn Albaugh (11th), Bianca Baires (11th), Hollyn Hawkins (11th), Malorie Amador (11th), and Aliyah Vidal (10th) – took the reins. They collaboratively brainstormed and developed numerous design concepts, ultimately blending elements from two distinct ideas to create the stunning final artwork now gracing the City Hall walls.
This endeavor presented unique challenges and significant learning opportunities for our young artists. Unlike their usual smaller-scale classroom projects, this mural demanded meticulous logistical planning. Students navigated the complexities of scaling their design, determining the necessary supplies, and managing the time commitment required to bring their vision to life on a much larger canvas.
More than just an art project, this was a chance for our students to experience the process of fulfilling a commission for a client while generously giving back to their community through their artistic talents. According to Cristina Arthur, DHS art teacher, the most rewarding aspect of the project was witnessing the students learn the power of collaboration. Working together as a team, they navigated different perspectives and combined their skills to see a single, large-scale artwork come to fruition.
The entire project, from the initial design phase and student voting to the final brushstroke spanned approximately two and a half months. The dedication and teamwork displayed by these seven NAHS students are truly commendable.
This beautiful mural serves as a testament to the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit fostered within our art program. Be sure to visit the Conference Room at City Hall to admire the impressive artwork created by our talented students!