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Robb Elementary students create mural Artwork display to last a lifetime

By BREANNA HANLEY bhanley@lockhaven.com 4 min read

LOCK HAVEN -- Art can be a legacy that lasts for generations, their messages withstanding the test of time.

Nathaniel Wilson's art students at Robb Elementary have created an art piece right outside the main doors to the school that exemplifies this idea.

Wilson sketched out a concept and pitched the idea to the building Principal, Tyler Barth, who loved the idea of bringing color to the hallways and creating a mural that the children can get involved with.

"Not every principal in public education is going to let us do something like this," said Wilson. "He and Mr. (Bradley) McCloskey are really big on positive things around the school, brightening up the space and getting the kids involved."

"It's pretty awesome," said Barth. "It brightens up our hallway. We love it -- our students love it -- we really appreciate the time (they) put into it. I've seen (the students) and Mr. Wilson working at different times."

The mural is super fun, depicting one of the school rules -- "be your best" -- along with colorful animals, flowers and a smiling sun. It is the first thing you see when you're welcomed into the school.

There are a few other smaller murals scattered about the downstairs portion of Robb that Wilson did before the big mural; these ones feature their school rules as well: be safe, be responsible, be respectful, be kind and be the best you can be.

"The murals are all linked by the school rules. But as we go we want to connect them thematically through colors," said Wilson. "Hopefully, 15-20 years from now, they can come back and bring their own kids and say, 'I was a part of that.'"

Wilson and the students started the mural in November. They were able to work on it for a couple of hours out of a six day cycle. In total, it took Wilson and his students around 22 hours spread across 11 days to complete the project.

"It's something they're going to see every day and sends a good message. I think that the building should reflect who it's being used by," said Wilson. "The one thing I was really impressed with was that the kids did so well with it. They were excited to paint and see it come to life."

Most of the students who helped to paint the mural were from 4th grade, but there were a handful of 3rd graders as well.

Two students who helped put the final touches on the mural during the last day of painting were Brooke Zanella and Adam Knife, who had nothing but positive things to say about the experience.

"My favorite part is the colors," said Zanella. "I painted these (lines on the leaves), some of the flowers too."

"My favorite is the words -- how they look like water," said Knife. "I painted the flowers, some of the background and the outlines."

"These two were two students who were really responsible and had a good sense of when to ask for help or for direction," Wilson said. "They're really well rounded. I have a lot of kids that are great, but these two really stood out. They were the first ones to spring to mind."

"I think it's very important that the kids get the experience of making public art, spreading a positive message and they get to be part of adding something to their school," Wilson continued.

Prior to having their photo taken with their hardwork, Barth offered his thoughts.

"When you come back here, in years to come, this (mural) isn't going anywhere," he said. "You've left your mark on Robb."

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