Thanks to LIFEWTR, Spartans can enjoy a new attraction on campus. photo by AJ Domagala
Recently the North side of the building got a makeover with a new mural.
Thomas Jefferson welcomed a new piece of art to the numerous other works all over the school; a mural was painted on the side of the school by the student parking lot. TJ has fostered a very strong artistic community. From the founding in 1960, TJ has been a destination for students of all hobbies, especially art. Art teacher Leonard Fox mentioned: “The administration past and current have been super supportive. If there was anything that I wanted to do, put stuff in the hall, post things, do things outside of school, they have been really supportive.” TJ has and always will be a destination for art lovers, as everyone is very supportive of the work done by students. Other pieces of art around the school include student photographs in the CCT hallway and paintings in the Robotics/JROTC hallway, as well as the lunchroom. While other art departments in DPS schools might be underappreciated, TJ shows off a thriving art department.
The new mural created on the side of the school was a result of a partnership with The LIFEWTR Foundation. Erika Miller is a representative of the foundation who coordinated with the administration at TJ. LIFEWTR has started a national campaign to connect communities with local artists, and she explained: “LIFEWTR will help beautify schools and community centers in underprivileged areas by showcasing local artists’ work while raising awareness for the decline in art education programs for students. Working alongside artists born and bred in these communities, we’ll create a movement, composed of rich and vibrant murals that will be featured in numerous schools and community centers across the country.” Through this project, they have inspired individuals in the school district as well as community members. This company is highlighting the issue of under-appreciated art programs not only in DPS but all over the nation. Thomas Jefferson was lucky enough to partner with them to help their campaign.
The mural was created not only to raise art awareness but also to promote curiosity and interpretation of art. The piece includes many colors including brown and gold to represent TJ. Principal Michael Christoff explained: “The mural is different, it’s interesting, it spurs conversation, which was the motivation behind it.” The piece was created to give students and TJ visitors a piece of art that can be discussed and interpreted in many ways. The piece is very similar to the work of artists who focus on abstract works. Abstract artwork is an approach that isn’t always the most common in the art community, but is definitely one of the most powerful. The mural reminds people of some of the greats including Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock. This mural is a unique addition to the atmosphere of Thomas Jefferson and is an important way to shine a light on the art community at TJ.
