Who’s Behind the Murals?

By Kendall Howze & Jackie Lyons

     Glenelg High School has been around since 1958. It has withstood sixty years of renovations and remodeling. Somehow, none of those changes made to the school to improve its appearance seemed to be focused on artwork. With the exception of the walls by the auditorium and the main staircase, students spend their days walking past blank, white walls. As of recently, it seems that someone has decided to change that. Towards the end of the 2016-2017 school year, a mural was painted in the math hallway across from Mr. Mize’s classroom.

     At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, another mural was painted. This one is located in the stairwell directly in front of the cafeteria. The artist, Nicole Patsy, painted colorful bubbles floating along the blank, white stairwell walls.

     The most recent mural is being painted by students Tony Mistichelli, Jenny Giampalmo, Anushka Desai, and Gillian Marx. It is being placed in the English stairwell. While many have assumed that the murals are being painted for Senior art projects, any student can paint one. They do not necessarily need to be done by art students. If a student is interested in painting a mural, they should speak to Mr. Strothers. Mistichelli was asked to present a proposal, along with a realistic design plan, and was cleared shortly after to begin his project. His painting will “promote school spirit” among students when they pass it on their way to class.
    
     Many believe that these murals are long overdue. Senior Gopika Gopinath is “relieved that it’s finally happening because it brings out the spirit of the school being a more colorful and pleasing environment for the students.” Perhaps these murals really will increase school spirit. Creating a more pleasant, vibrant environment may encourage students to take more pride in their school. It may even encourage students to make contributions to the environment they are in by creating artwork of their own.
    
​     Glenelg may be on the brink of finally encouraging students to take an active role in changing the flaws in the surroundings. You can often hear students in passing mention their disdain for the “prison-like” sections of our school such as the long hallway that connects the auditorium and musical or theater arts section of the school to the main part of the building. Finally, instead of simply complaining about the lack of character and dreary ambience, students are taking action and becoming more involved in making a change.