Rocket ships, planets, stars and extraterrestrials complete a new addition at Summit Academy Transition High School – Cincinnati: the “Exploring a New World” mural. Seniors in teacher Sahara Walton’s art class pulled out all the stops as they organized, designed and hand-painted the senior mural, which now adorns the school’s art room wall.
“The mural reflects themes of outer space, new adventures and next steps as the seniors wrap up the year and graduate,” explains Walton.
The student-led project, to which each senior contributed and added their
own personal touches, represents their experiences and achievements as well as their future journeys after high school, says Walton.
“This mural will serve as a reminder of all they have accomplished and the new adventures that await them,” she says.
In addition, Walton offered an elective printmaking course this year. Students in the class created SOAR (Safety – Openness – Acceptance – Responsibility) gear for their projects.
“I was surprised by how many students were interested in the class and wanted to sign up,” says Walton. She adds that the class covered the foundation and history of printmaking as well as carving, designing and inking safety protocols. Students made tote bags, shirts, pencil pouches, postcards and other pieces of art.
“I was so impressed with how fast our students picked up this new skill and how much they have grown as not only artists and students, but also as individuals,” Walton says.