Sixth graders at Poplar Bluff Middle School graffitied the walls just before classes let out in May, and no, all 400 students didn't receive a trip to the principal's office. The colorful additions were actually handcrafted art tiles resulting from a project led by art teacher Deanna Ward.
Ward said the project was an opportunity for students to leave their mark on the new building as the first class to pass through the halls.
"In this day and age, there's not much left of the neighborhood school, and this is their neighborhood school," Ward said.
Students spent a week designing and glazing tiles, which carpenter Owen Heath then mounted to create a multicolored backsplash over the washing areas in the building's two art rooms.
"We had construction paper taped up before to keep (water) from splattering on the wall," Ward said. "They learned art can be functional and serve a purpose."
Students participated in much of the process, adding multiple coats of paint while Ward used glazing techniques to hold the designs in place. Each tile has the creator's initial in the bottom corner. Ward said once the tiles were up, the students felt a sense of pride over their creation.
"It instills ownership in them because now they have school spirit for something they're leaving behind," Ward said.
Sixth grader Nick Gilmore said he used water color paint to draw a panda on his tile, simple because he "likes pandas."
"It was a fun project, especially because it will be there forever," he said.
Grace Reynolds said she drew a cat, but "it looks more like a dog."
"I liked the project because after we leave, more students will come through and see our tiles. It's neat," she said.
Gavin Ellis and Mikiah Weldon also participated in the tile project. Ellis drew an eye and Weldon made a flower. They agreed the project was a lot of fun and are looking forward to visiting the classrooms in the future to show friends and family members the legacy they've left behind.
Ward said it is important for students to feel pride in their school and has been leading art projects similar to this for the last five years. Due to the district's recent expansion, the art of previous classes was demolished during construction of the new high school at the former 5th & 6th Grade Center campus.
Ward said she enjoys teaching art but didn't plan on becoming an art teacher. She said it was a hobby she decided to pursue. Ward said her students may not realize it now, but art will stay with them throughout their lives
"They're all going to be artists when they grow up, they just may not make money at it," she said.