By Hannah Lazarte
Tucked away in the garden, the mural was a combined effort from the students of our Art Club. The works of art from many different creative students are hidden. With various characters that line the wall, club members worked together to bring life to the garden and create a meaningful work of art.
The mural itself is set near a forest, with a pond nearby. In the pond, sits Ecology Club’s mascot — a frog named Alfredo. On the grass, there are a few different plants, such as mushrooms and flowers. Anime characters and students’ own made-up characters are on the mural too, showcasing a range of talent.
The plan to make the mural originated in the 2023-2024 school year. Inspired by the mural artworks on the art and economic hallway, the Art Club president at the time, Hannah Park, had the idea for the Art Club to also do a mural.
“[The art club] did similar projects like making clay statues or painting with watercolors, and this just felt like a very natural next step for everyone to get involved,” Park said. “[The board and I] thought it would be a great opportunity to also bring the students together and help them get to know each other better.”
To start the mural, the club started brainstorming an overall theme for the artwork with smartboards and polls. The idea for the background was tied between a forest and an ocean scene before the final vote ended with more votes towards the forest idea. After the scene was drafted, club members started drawing their characters where they saw fit.
Since the Art Club had been partnered with the Ecology Club for two years prior to the mural, the garden was soon decided as the place for the mural.
“We thought that it would be a nice space to work with, especially during the school year, because we didn’t want to disrupt many of the school activities,” Park said.
Paint brushes and paint were provided by the art teacher, Tony Pash, allowing no fundraising needed for the mural. The club also raised enough money from previous fundraisers, such as Fall Fest and Culture Fest.
As students worked on the mural together during lunch and Friday afternoons, the art club was able to finish their artwork at the beginning of June 2024 with their graduating seniors. During the 2024-2025 school year, the club continued the mural with new students in the club.
“Art Club may have new additions to the mural each school year, [but] this depends on the future Art Club board,” Art Club president Melodie Tran said.
In the future, Art Club plans to bring more color and life to the campus with their community-based activities, hoping to both improve the individuality and connection between students and the school.
“I think that no piece of art is ever truly finished, and I think that future generations of Art Club members adding to it is really lovely,” Park said.
