(above) Ten new murals adorn the Washington School gymnasium, thanks to a creative collaboration of 5th graders, parents, teachers, WHS graphic design students, the Westfield Coalition for the Arts, and a local graphic arts company.
Washington School Gymnasium Gets Mural Makeover
Submitted by Mary Ann McGann
There are colorful new murals in the Washington School gymnasium, thanks to a creative collaboration involving 5th graders, parents, and teachers, Westfield High School graphic design students, the Westfield Coalition of the Arts and a nearby graphics art company.
“We wanted to highlight our love of Washington School and the many things that make it such a special place,” says Washington art teacher Diana D’Amico, who spearheaded the mural project.
Earlier this year, D’Amico says, 5th graders formed discussion groups and brainstormed what each mural should look like, submitting sketches to WHS graphic design students who, under the direction of WHS art teacher Roy Chambers, finalized the drawings and layout. With funding from the Washington PTO and the Westfield Coalition for the Arts, the mural drawings were sent to Signart Graphix in Andover, New Jersey for production.
The ten murals – each a 3×12 adhesive vinyl decal – surround the gym and depict favorite learning moments in Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and other subjects at Washington. A “Wildcats” mural lists field trips, assemblies, projects, and other events enjoyed by students throughout the years.
At a mural unveiling on April 22, D’Amico told students and staff that the “Wildcats” panel showcasing “favorite school memories will serve to recognize the legacy of learners at Washington School.”
Photos by Westfield Public Schools
(above) Washington School art teacher Diana D’Amico (center) thanks PTO Co-Presidents Wendy Nitche and Jennifer Moshier for their help with a creative and collaborative murals project that was unveiled on April 22 in the school’s gymnasium.
(above) Washington School art teacher Diana D’Amico looks on as 5th grader Nicholas Benson speaks at an unveiling of new murals in the school’s gymnasium. “We wanted to highlight our love of Washington School and the many things that make it such a special place,” says D’Amico who spearheaded the mural project.
(above) This 3×12 foot mural is one of ten new panels adorning the Washington School gymnasium, depicting favorite learning moments in Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and other subjects at Washington.
