Russian writer Anton Chekhov once wrote, “There is nothing new in art except talent.”

For years, Washington High School art instructors Melissa Moore, Damon Walcott and Penny Paul have helped hone the skills of some of the new talent to which Chekhov was referring. A group of 18 students, many in their final semester as members of the Pam Pack, is leaving their mark upon Washington High School, one brush stroke at a time.

As one walks the halls of Washington High School, their talent has become evident. Students in the art program are bringing the halls and ceilings to life with their artistic abilities in the form of murals throughout the campus.

“No more all white walls,” said Olivia Grimes. “We’re turning a public school into something to really look at.”

Seven murals have been completed and another is in progress.

The overall goal was to give back to the school using their artistic skills as the gift. And the mural project was off and running.
“We wanted them to use their talents to give back,” Walcott said. “Community instead of self.”

Paul explained the painting of murals in the school building began with former instructor Don Miller and the simple image of a camera. Now students were ready to add to the collection.

“Turning these students loose with this project has been a real shot in the arm for our program,” said Paul.

The artists in residence, many students in Art 4, provided preliminary images for approval prior to the paint even being opened.

When asked how their teachers have been to work with during this project, five students answered in unison: “Amazing.”

Regardless of which teacher the students work under most, there is a reoccurring theme. “Mrs. Paul pushes us farther than we think we can go,” said Lacy Turner.

The same was said for Walcott.

“And they (Paul and Walcott) are very hands on in their support,” Turner added.

“Art isn’t a class where you just sit and draw on a piece of paper, it’s so much more,” Devon Price said. “Art has given me friends I would have never had.”

One very special friendship has blossomed with fellow student, Jing Lu. Relocated from China, Lu continues to work on her spoken English but has become stronger in the written language. So the written language is what the other artists rely on to keep the talented Lu a part of the group.

“We all downloaded a translator app so we can work directly with Jing,” said Grimes. “It’s really awesome.”

“Diversity helps us know who to go to, who is stronger in this area that I can go to for help,” Liz Thielen said.

The avenue has proved critical for the growth of these artists. In these years of art classes, the painters explain judgment has been traded in for critiquing, which has sent their confidence soaring.

“I would have never had the confidence to do this without these guys,” Enoc G. Chavez said of his cohorts. “We did it.”