Chagall Mural

Upon first glance at the ceiling along the fine arts hallway at Thomas County Central High School, onlookers might think they’ve found an undiscovered chapel painted by the masters.

But, it is the budding artists in TCCHS Art Club who are responsible for the murals slowly spreading along the hall’s ceiling. The club’s project started in 2008. So far, there are six completed murals.

“They create one per year and earn community service hours,” said Jocelyn Rivard, TCCHS art teacher and club advisor. “All are based on works by famous artists.”

The murals are drawn onto two foot square ceiling tiles and then painted using acrylic paints. Each painting is comprised of 12 tiles.

 Markescia Reynolds, 16, worked on the mural of Andre Derain’s “London Bridge.”

 “I painted the boats around it,” she said. “I had to mix colors to get the perfect shade.”

 Reynolds added this mural is her favorite “because of all the bright colors and it was a challenge to make.”

 But, the murals are used for more than hands on learning of artistic techniques.

 “We also reference them in the classroom when discussing topics like Fauvism or Cubism,” Rivard said. “The murals are landscapes, still life, portraiture, animals, and fantasy - much like the subjects we cover in various art classes.”

 Rivard is “very proud” of the project’s progress and the students who have participated in it.

 “The paintings are a source of pride for students that work on it,” she said. “They come back even after they graduate and talk about what painting they worked on. For the school, there is now a ‘Sistine Chapel’ of ceiling paintings down the fine arts hallway that are related to art history. It is also delightful when I see students walking down the hall with their eyes on the colorful ceiling.”

 This year’s mural will be an abstract painting about a singer and a band, created by Harlem Renaissance artist Romare Bearden, Rivard said.

 “It will go in front of the chorus room when finished,” she said. “We have at least five more to finish the hall.”

 Many students have already expressed interest in helping with this year’s mural, as soon as they finish up their class assignments.

 “I love working on the ceiling tiles,” said Jenna Davison, 17. “I believe that the murals on our ceiling show the raw talent that has passed through these halls over the years. It’s really nice to look up above you and be able to say, ‘I did that!’ It really gives a student a huge sense of accomplishment.”

Cezzane Mural