Isla Roen, Reporter
Murals are large-scale artworks that are painted directly onto walls, ceilings and other flat surfaces. Throughout the past 20 years, they have been popping up in NCHS hallways, featuring unique designs that showcase deep meaning.
NCHS hasn’t always been filled with murals. While some have been around for a while, many of these projects have taken place in more recent years. “The murals were created over a period of time, each at different times,” said Evelyn Harvey, a graduate from the school, who has been working on a variety of these murals since she was a senior. “Mainly the ‘graduating class time line’ murals were done the summer of that year except for a couple that I did shortly after that graduating year.”
Murals originated in the school for a similar reason that they do everywhere else. They are created to fill a space with personality and color. “Murals are a powerful way to bring life to a space that may not have much energy or visual quality going for it,” art teacher Jennifer Sinski said. “There could be a visual need to advertise a location, such as the mural in the fitness center, or there could be a wide open area that feels very blank and is calling for a mural.”
Walking through the hallways, it’s apparent that each mural relates to the part of the school in which it is displayed. “The artist needs to envision the space,” Ms. Sinski said. “They need to think about who is going to be looking at that day in and out and how they can use the size and scale of the space to make an impact.”
Former NCHS student Evelyn Harvey paints a symbol for the class of 2013.
Contributed by Evelyn Harvey
Every mural is deliberately positioned to speak to the students who naturally gravitate towards that space. “A visual representation of American music through history is placed by the history department side of the school,” Ms. Harvey said. This mural features Elvis Presley, Run-D.M.C., John Cougar Mellencamp, as well as other influential artists that students learn about in their history classes.
Another NCHS graduate, Devin Campbell, placed “The Underground Gallery” near the media classrooms. This mural features mixed media like graffiti, photography and even a bicycle among other three dimensional objects. Each day, students walk to their art classes in a hallway covered with creativity.
This school is home to many students enthusiastic about art. Ms. Harvey was among this group of students. “I had the opportunity to work on the cafeteria mural. I was one of many students that worked on the mural, and I enjoyed it,” said Ms. Harvey. She was mentored on this project by Brec Morgan, who told her that it’s ok to make mistakes because you can always paint over them. “It was freeing and very helpful to hear as a young artist, especially doing a public work,” she said.
The murals that flood the halls have transformed NCHS into more than a place to learn, but a living gallery of creativity, community and pride. “My hope is that students enjoy it, and that it adds to the school and student experience,” Ms. Harvey said.
