Over the last few weeks, students from the AP Studio Art class have been working tirelessly on a colorful mural located outside of the art room. Using a variety of colors, ranging from blue to pink, students have designed and created an illusion piece.

“So basically this mural is [being created] to add color to our school,” senior Olivia Choi said. “Since our school is very bland and grey with white.”

The mural itself is not just a statement piece. This project provides students in AP Studio Art with the ability to give back to the community they are a part of. In addition, it also allows students to receive credits towards graduation.

“This is our National Art Honor Society mural,” senior Ruby Diamond-Peacock said. “We are doing it for community service hours from the school so we can get our graduation chord.”

Since this project plays a role in the accolades and recognition the students will receive at graduation, Choi further explains the importance of the chords and what they symbolize to the students who have contributed to this mural.

“Our graduation chords that we get after doing the mural are reflective of this mural because they are rainbow in color,” Choi said.

While this mural is a community service opportunity, it is also a symbol of appreciation for CHS’ very own teacher Mr. Kurt Dearie. Dearie has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community members within Carlsbad, and his support has been felt by many.

“Because Mr. Dearie has been at this school for so long and he is retiring this year, we feel it is important to highlight his dedication,” senior Rachel Klock said. “He started the Gender Sexulity Alliance (GSA) club, and he has helped so many kids here that we just wanted to commemorate him.”

Allowing the students to explore their creative side, the mural has provided students with an outlet to show their creation with the community. However, this does not mean the creation of the mural has been an easy one.

“Matching colors is really hard,” senior Karinne Burgess said. “When we made a minor mistake and we’d have to remake the color that was really hard. Also just getting the math right in regards to proportions was really challenging as well.”

Despite the challenges that the artists were confronted with, the students have been able to problem solve and overcome the adversity. A common belief among those who have contributed to the mural is that the process of creating is well worth it.

“It goes to show that when you’re an artist, you do a lot more than just art,” Burgess said. “You have to do the math side of things, you have to do the planning side, and it really allowed us to make our mark on the school and show that artists can also greatly benefit CHS.”