SHELTON — A student’s artistic creation will be a lasting reminder of the impact of instrumental ensembles on middle school.
The mural design by Shelton Intermediate School seventh grader Ava Gifford was selected from 40 entries submitted last winter by art and music students. The mural – depicting the musicians performing during the 2021-22 school year – was painted in the hallways leading to the school’s music wing.
“I think this mural is an incredible start in a long and memorable legacy for so many of our students who come through our music programs here at SIS,” said band manager Michael Sudak.
Gifford said she was amazed when she was told her mural would be shown to the whole school.
“To have the idea of years of people seeing my art was just a crazy thought for me, especially since it was the first one on the wall,” she said. “When I created it, I wondered how I could reach and represent everyone who loves the art of music.”
Gifford said art has long been a part of her life, so creating this mural came very naturally to her. In the end, she said she was satisfied with the final product.
“I took some of my favorite instruments while making sure to include the tastes of others,” she said. “I’ve always loved the look of street art, so I kind of included that in the piano and the letters and the letters ‘music’ up top.”
Sudak said he felt it was important for students to literally leave their mark on the school because they put a lot of work into each of their performances each year.
“With the nature of music being fleeting and temporary, it’s great to have something so enduring and to inspire students to remember their time here in the build,” Sudak said. “I plan to make this an annual event for the foreseeable future.”
Sudak spearheaded the project with the help of several student volunteers and SIS art teacher Melissa Urban. The school’s art and music students submitted wall designs to represent the various musical ensembles that practice and perform throughout the school year.
The SIS Music Program will present its spring concert with various ensembles on June 16 at the school.
