Rivenbark, classmates bring idea to reality with colloseum mural to inspire athletes

by: Sam Kersh

It isn’t every day that your ideas become reality.
 
But for senior Kara Rivenbark, her idea to inspire athletes at Glenelg came to life through the design and painting of a mural on the wall entering the Colosseum.
 
Rivenbark, along with several of her classmates, imagined arches spanning part of the wall to mimic a Colosseum, and Gladiator athletes preparing for battle.
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Rivenbark (left) and English (right) work on painting the mural

Originally, Rivenbark and her friends were only having fun with this idea; but now, as athletes and spectators enter the stadium, they can view the mural picturing just what Rivenbark and her friends envisioned: athletes competing in Glenelg’s various outdoor sports, surrounded by dazzling colosseum arches.
 
“Together we [made] something to inspire the athletes, add more color to our school grounds, and to have some fun together doing something that we all love,” Rivenbark said.
 
Rivenbark said the idea started when her art teacher, Scott English, announced that the end of the year project was to design a mural. Since school was still virtual, Rivenbark’s project was just a simple digital proposal; however, Rivenbark said that English suggested they turn their design into a real mural for the school.
 
Rivenbark ultimately received approval from both David Burton, Glenelg’s principal at the time, and Dan Sageman, the school’s athletic director. They began measuring the wall, choosing the colors needed for painting, and eventually started the drawing and painting process in August.
 
“It has been amazing to see the progress we have been making and how great it looks from the track. I couldn’t be more grateful for Mr. Sageman, Mr. Burton, Mrs. Hastings, and especially Mr. English for supporting me and helping me paint this mural,” Rivenbark said.
 
Rivenbark said she credits the other artists who assisted her in creating the mural: Sierra and Dayna Rohmann, Ruchi Bhalani, Brooke Birckhead, Alyssa Preece, and Eunice Kim, along with English.
 
“It’s so fulfilling to experience the students making art, memories, and a positive mark on our community,” English said. “The power of the arts is magically incredible.”

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