Over the last few years, Michelle Coleman’s Advanced Art students have been turning blank white walls around the school into works of art. “Ms. Bruce asked me about five years ago to paint something in each hall that goes along with the academics taught in that area. We tackle a hall or two each semester,” said Coleman.

Generally, the art students come up with the artwork idea, create an outline, and then project the outline onto the wall. They then sketch the outlines, and later, fill it in and add the colors. This painting of students reading books, which is on the outside wall of the 3rd-floor library, was done last year. Coleman said she had about 40 kids helping with this painting as a class assignment. It took about a week to finish.

This painting in the stairwell in the library, one of the few paintings in the school that is not in tones of blue and gold, has a simple aesthetic to it, featuring students climbing a stack of books. Painted about five years ago, this painting is the work of six different student artists.

This painting of a traditional Aztec-style mask is in the Foreign Language hallway. The mask represents different South American cultures and symbolizes a connection to Aztec gods, religions, and the importance of traditions. “This is still an ongoing project,” said Coleman.

This 1920’s-style telephone, which was painted in the 4600 Social Studies hall, represents how the invention of the telephone revolutionized the world. Coleman said this artwork was also painted about five years ago. “My students love [making wall art] and really seem to enjoy using their talents to show off,” she said.