Student artist leaves her colorful mark

Lucia Molina

Features Editor

Bright exploding colors stop you in your tracks. The long, glum and gray wall connecting the World Language hallway to the Art/Career Tech wings is now vivid and full of overwhelming eye-candy. Thickly marked twists and turns run across the long wall as words and graphics overlap each other. Intricately detailed bubble letters read “The Underground” and lifelike graphics make a student’s walk to class much more enjoyable. This is the work of senior Devin Campbell.

Every year, a small group of seniors take the challenge of completing senior projects instead of attending an ordinary English class. With guidance from their English teacher, students research and prepare for their project in the first semester and begin in the second semester. Students must choose a mentor who will oversee the project and who will provide structured guidance. By the end of May, students should have completed their project and should be able to present it.

Devin chose an unconventional approach so that she could leave a distinctive mark here after she graduates.

Devin credits her inspiration to the exploration of galleries worldwide. “Over the course of this semester I have been researching galleries throughout America and even other countries,” she said. “I soon realized that my first intentions of putting photos against a wall in a somewhat creative order would not truly hold the kind of mark I wanted to leave on NCHS.”

Devin also credits her mentor.  “I couldn’t have done it without my mentor, [Jeanne] McDonagh,” Devin added. Photography teacher Ms. McDonagh supports Devin’s creativity in her project. “I would have never thought of designing a wall and then placing pictures on it,” Ms. McDonagh said.

Devin chose the location of the project because she feels that the hallway is close to her. “I chose this location for the wall because walking down to the photo room for me is like walking down to my sanctuary,” she said. “I wanted to express my personal emotions on the same wall so that other students can be immersed in my sanctuary.”

One might think that getting permission for such a big project would be difficult. Devin did not actually tell Principal Tony Pavia her intentions at first. “Mr. Pavia and I never really had a sit-down conversation,” she said. “I just approached him during lunch one day and probably thought it would be something very school spirited or beautiful like (senior) Evelyn (Harvey)’s mural in the cafeteria.”

Although Devin’s mural may not be exactly like Evelyn’s, it does bring a sense of school spirit and unity as Devin has allowed other students to contribute. Junior Zach Zannini, one of the  volunteer artists, was more than happy to help. “I have been spray painting for awhile and I just wanted to help Devin in hopes of finishing the wall in time for the original gallery opening date,” he said.

Devin had worked for several weeks to finish by the scheduled gallery opening of Wednesday, June 9th. In the last four weeks, word of Devin’s wall has gotten around the school and most feedback seems to be positive.

Sophomore Mike Sosnick liked the modern feel of the wall. “It’s really relatable and it’s not just some boring wall covered in photos,” he said.

Others agree that Devin’s wall is much more appealing than a typical gallery. “It’s just kind of exciting to look at with all the bright splashes of colors that pop right out at you,” junior Rebecca Parrino said.

Those younger than Devin feel inspired by her work. Freshmen Kaelin Campbell, Devin’s sister, especially admires her work. “I walk by her mural everyday and I’m filled with awe knowing that my older sister achieved this great accomplishment,” she said. “I’m so happy that she is able to leave the high school with a stamp reflecting her personality and gift as an artist.”