Columbus St. Mary School in the German Village area turned its temporary classrooms in the gym this fall into an ongoing art project.
During a construction project to add teaching and learning spaces that will include the latest technology and systems, students in grades two through five were moved into the gym. Pre-K and preschool classrooms were relocated in an area that will become Heritage Hall, a multipurpose space that will be open to the school and parish.
Before the start of classes in August, a discussion that started with the thought of creating a paper sign to welcome the 443 students in preschool through eighth grade back to school sparked an idea that led to an ongoing project under the direction of art teacher Yvette Hardy.
“In the absence of having a (permanent) classroom, I could paint the (temporary) walls, which would allow students to still participate in art recess without a designated art space,” Hardy said.
After receiving the go-ahead from principal Gina Stull, Hardy began preparations for the students to turn the drywall separating the eight temporary classrooms in the gym into works of art.
She reached out to teachers for themes or lessons that they’d like to see on the walls outside their classrooms. Hardy decided on an alphabet theme to match letters with a word or idea that reflects the school’s identity and mission.
“As this project is in motion, there is no definitive master plan for what everything looks like,” Hardy said. “Each wall has developed as it is being created. Often, students will share ideas in conversation that will inspire ideas for the wall.
“Some ideas developed with experimental processes, and others evolved with respect to color or materials. Every wall carries a layer of meaning as designated by its respective letter.”
The goal is to complete all letters of the alphabet before the walls are removed. She said the walls have transformed the gym into a unique and inviting space where students can interact with their art and one another in a different way.
“I hope students take away a new respect and love for art, whether as a participant or observer,” Hardy said. “I hope students are inspired to think of new ideas and possibilities when they see the variety of abilities, materials and imagery.
“Students often ask, ‘Why are we painting the walls if they’re going to take them down?’ I explain that we are appreciating the walls while they are here. We talk about how artists often do not keep their art forever. They may sell it, give it away or create it with the intention that it will only exist for just a short time.
“This has been the best part of the project for me, the process of creating art with the students, not the planning or product. The process has created moments of dialogue, respect, creativity, gratitude, pride, connection, problem-solving and learning that can be hard to achieve in the regular classroom setting.
“This process has allowed for kids to get the attention that they sometimes need on a personal level.”
The construction project, which began in the summer, is scheduled to be completed in January.
“Ms. Hardy is one of the purest and sweetest souls I have ever encountered,” Stull said. “She is a blessing to our students and inspires so much creativity in them. The process of creating this gem from plain drywall has been so fun to see. The transformation has been miraculous.”