Home to many of the teachers in the Science Department, upstairs F hall is not the most colorful place in the school, which anyone can acknowledge. However, National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students are giving this hall a splash of color soon in the form of a vivid mural. Art teacher Angela Fritz explains how the idea came to life.
“At the end of the previous year, most of the department chairs were asked about major projects that they wanted in their area. The Science Department asked for a mural,” Fritz said. “The Maintenance Department pre-painted the walls the solid color, then they asked if the Art Department would be interested in helping out.”
The collaboration between departments led Fritz to involve NAHS, an honors society where students with artistic talent are able to collaborate and use their skills for community projects and volunteer work. Junior Maya Patel, the Director of Event Outreach in NAHS, stepped up to lead the project.
“Painting a mural has always been a bucket list item for me,” Patel said. “I did a really small kiddie one at Fall Creek Junior High. So, I have had a little bit of experience doing it before. I felt kind of confident taking charge.”
While Patel leads the project, the entire NAHS group contributes, creating a true team effort.
“I’m really lucky to have so many kids who are super excited to work on it. I’m going to try to channel that motivation,” Patel said. “Originally, my goal was to be able to get it done by the school year. I honestly might think we could get it done in this semester.”
The design itself was a collaborative effort as well. The NAHS students brainstormed together and figured out how to effectively represent the range of science classes from physics to chemistry.
The enthusiasm among the science teachers has been palpable as well. Patel mentions the positive reception from teachers who are eager for the transformation of their hallway.
“[The science teachers have] been so awesome, [especially] Ms. Glick and Mrs. Chattin,” Patel said. “Every single time we’re up there, they’re always so excited about it. They come check on us. They let us leave all of our stuff in their lab. They’re so great about it.”
Though, for Patel, this project is about more than just art—it’s about revitalizing the empty space and turning it into something beautiful.
“My goal [is to] to breathe some life into that hallway,” Patel said.
