APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Appleton is offering a new summer school course, and the results are striking.
In the Paint the City course, students are working with artist Irineo Medina (Neo) to create a mural on North Oneida Street.
Medina says it has been his dream to do something like this with students.
“We built out a whole program for two weeks where they get to do it, [and] I get to teach them,” says Medina. “So, not only do they get to participate, but they get to learn how to add highlights, how to add shadows, etc.”
Medina feels it’s important for students to foster connections and have a sense of belonging in the community.
“My goal as an artist is to build a place that kids either want to stay or go but then come back. That’s really important to me, just a place that feels like home,” says Medina.
In this spirit, the public is welcome to visit the site any afternoon up until Aug. 19 to talk with the students and see the progress of the mural. Community members are encouraged to sign up online before visiting.
Through Paint the City, students receive school credit and a stipend for their work. The project also gives students the opportunity to prepare for their future.
“I am planning on being a graphic designer or anywhere in the marketing arts field. I think this a great opportunity for me to connect with other artists or other people in general,” says Appleton West student Layla Keranen.
Eighteen high school students were specifically chosen to paint this mural on the side of Jersey Bagel and Deli.
“First, you sign up for it. Then your vice principal will come and sit you down. It’s like a job interview — why you should get it, how would this benefit you, things like that,” explained Appleton East student Mashala Coffee.
Students are also learning entrepreneurship skills.
“I decided to do this so I could meet more people that are just like me, and Medina can help me actually start a career off this,” says Coffee.
Medina says there is also a cultural dynamic to the project.
“As a Latino man with brown skin, you know, up here we don’t see many of me in a positive way, in a leadership way. So, it’s like windows and mirrors, right — people to see into our lives but also for folks that look like me to think, ‘Oh, that could be me. I can see myself doing this,'” says Medina.
When the mural is finished, it will be over 100 feet. An unveiling of the completed mural will be held Aug. 19.
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