By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — For six hours Saturday morning, a cluster of students designed, painted and collaborated to leave a piece of art for the community.
It was a hands-on effort for the Art in Action Club at Knox Middle School. Club members created a mural on a fence at the Sonic Drive-In on West Innes Street.
Art in Action is a group of student artists whose mission is to put art into action through community service projects and school improvement projects.
Sixteen students, along with art teacher Melinda Hedrick, arrived at the restaurant to paint Saturday morning.
The mural is the second to be painted at the restaurant. Earlier this year, students from Salisbury High School also created a mural at the restaurant.
“Our goal here is to spread art around the community and our school and promote the arts,” Hedrick said.
The mural plays off the school’s theme of “Reach for the Stars,” and incorporates Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
The mural is divided into two parts, featuring the artwork of two students, Noah Squires and Madison “Maddy” Barrier. The two students used the school’s mascot, a Trojan, in their design.
Several students made submissions and two were chosen.
Noah came up with his concept after seeing a tattoo online.
Maddy’s drawing began as her school’s bookmark. She previously drew a picture of a trojan holding a book. She modified her drawing a bit and added a hamburger.
Maddy’s grandmother posed for pictures so that she could get the arm and movements right.
“I’m really excited about it. I think it’s going to be really cool and I hope that many people who will see it will know we all worked together on this and it came out beautiful,” Maddy said.
All of the students helped draw and then paint the mural.
“I think it’s fun that we get to interact with the community,” said Olivia Shearer.
Assistant Manager Juliana Garcia said it was great to have the students create the mural.
“It’s a very good thing for kids to stay active and a good way to express themselves,” Garcia said.
Sonic provided the paint, as well as the breakfast and lunch for the students.
“I’m glad we get to do artwork outside of school and make the community look better,” said Kyla Jackson.
Other students involved in the project were: Carver Walser, Lydia Weisberg, Kamryn Hooper, Deonna Morris, Tristen Henry, Tya-Shawntae Shepard, Kyre Argrett, Veronica Wilcox, Luz Garzon-Cruz, Brendan Ingram, Abby Thomas and Alicia Kincaid.
Art in Action is made up of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.
“It’s such a good opportunity to be a part of this,” Hedrick said.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.