Clifton Tinker and Jessica Cardenas, teachers at NEISD’s Madison High School, showed us the results of the “Community Art Crew” NEEF Grant in action.
Using the “Community Art Crew” NEEF grant, students were busy creating a “Lot of Joy” where staff has commissioned the after-school group to paint personalized parking spaces and bring more color and joy to the school atmosphere. They collaborated to paint the spaces and lay out the details of each plot.
Prior to that project, Madison High School students used the grant funds to purchase paint and supplies to create nine indoor murals around the hallways. The murals portrayed themes like math, science, theater, the culinary program, and mental health awareness. Makena Carrasco describes the theme of one mural that was made near the school counselors’ offices. “The main focus is to spread awareness about mental health and being kind to other people because bullying is a real thing.” The mural was the result of a collaboration of several student artists’ ideas.
As the student and faculty pass by each mural, they can appreciate the skills of the students and ponder the thoughtful themes they represent. The benefits of this grant extend beyond the creative arts but help brighten everyone’s day as they pass the hallways and grounds of Madison High School.