Andrew Sokoly
There's a method to the painting madness
You might wonder why we here at Summer in the City choose a particular painting site. It really comes down to aesthetics and graffiti prevention. A site like Dixon Elementary School had hallway after hallway of boring primary colored locker sets with little else to brighten up the hallways. By adding our cityscape locker murals, it adds not only a much needed variety in color, but also creates a fun environment for the students to learn.
At a site like Phoenix Academy, graffiti - indoors and outside - is a problem administration battles on a constant basis. Adding colorful, yet simple designs like the Tetris murals to the walls acts as a effective deterrent against would-be vandals. Skeptics don't have to look far. Over the past weekend several blank walls outside that we have yet to start painting were tagged while all adjacent completed murals were left untouched.
It is important to remember that schools serve as integral parts of every community. Dixon runs programs for students ranging from kindergarten through seventh grade. Phoenix is an elementary and middle school, so many students spend their childhood schooling in one building. This is why it is important to make these schools as comfortable and fun as possible.
