EL MONTE – Students from El Monte High School’s (EMHS) Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) department proudly unveiled a captivating mural project, bridging the realms of art and music in an innovative display of creativity, connection, and collaboration.

Initiated by the entire VAPA department, including both music and art disciplines, the mural project began as a modest endeavor but blossomed into a sprawling masterpiece over the course of two years. Spanning three out of four walls in the choir room, the mural aims to create a positive work atmosphere and stands as a testament to the dedication of the EMHS artistic community.

“It started off as a small portion of the wall but grew over time as the students added more ideas and showed more interest in the painting process,” EMHS Visual Arts educator Mickaela Kubiak said. “Regardless of Visual or Performing Arts, we wanted generations of students to inspire and appreciate each other’s hard work.”

Guided by their school’s Lion mascot at the center of the mural, students infused their work with musical symbols, inspirational quotes, and vibrant complementary colors, aiming to nurture creativity and appreciation within the performing arts community.

Beginning with a blank canvas, Visual Art students sketched the design onto the choir walls, meticulously outlined and painted each element of the mural, and finally added a striking blue background upon completion.

“Before this project, I had not seen much spirit throughout the walls of our campus but, I believe with having our iconic blue as the backdrop and the rich history of our Lion incorporated into the mural it will shine a bright light onto our past and future triumphs,” EMHS Art Club president and junior Juan Torres said. “I also have a niece and nephew and if they decide to come to El Monte and join band or pick up art, I hope they can one day look at this mural and remember me and the high school experiences I share with them and make incredible ones of their own.”

Over the years, a total of 70 students contributed to the realization of the mural project and united together to create a memorable experience shaped by their shared goals for the future.

“On behalf of the District, we thank El Monte High School’s VAPA department and students for exemplifying the collaborative spirit and creative energy that define their school,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “The mural is a profound statement to the power of art to unite and inspire our students and school communities.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_EMHS MURAL_1: Students from El Monte High School’s Visual and Performing Arts department proudly display their transformative mural project, designed to bridge the realms of art and music in an innovative display of creativity, connection, and collaboration.

EMUHSD_EMHS MURAL_2: El Monte High School’s Visual and Performing Arts department create an inspiring mural project within the school’s choir room incorporating musical symbols, inspirational quotes, vibrant complementary colors, and the Lion mascot at the center.