District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – A vibrant new mural created by scholars at Coit Creative Arts Academy is teaching an important lesson about the power of art.

“We read a book called Maybe Something Beautiful,” explained Amber Vandrunen, an art teacher at Coit. “We learned about how artists can impact and take action by making their spaces more beautiful. Everything that you see on the mural was hand drawn from the students.”

The project gave scholars the opportunity to turn their ideas into a lasting work of art.

“These are the ballet shoes that I drew,” exclaimed Eden. “It's all just one big representation of what I think about our school.”

“This is my brain, I worked hard, and it just means a lot,” Otto said proudly.

Titled “Create The Change That You Want To See In The World,” the mural features images that reflect the many programs, experiences, and people that make Coit unique.

“Ballet shoes represent dance, and Rosie the Red Hawk is our mascot, and music notes represents music,” Eden explained.

The mural is a symbol of belonging and the lasting impact they can make when they work together.

“It's supposed to represent everybody -- and everybody's included,” Otto added. “All of us work together to make something that is going to be here for a long time. It means a lot to all of us.”

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