Elkhart art students use building as their canvas

By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Elkhart Central High School students paint mural

Members of the Elkhart Central High School art club are painting a mural of downtown Elkhart in 1910 on the side of a building at Main and Jackson. The mural is one and a half stories tall and about 42 feet wide. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jul 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2009 at 10:42 AM EST

ELKHART — Some Elkhart students are participating in a hands-on history lesson during summer vacation. They're using art to learn about the City with a Heart.

The Central High School students are members of the art club. Their canvas is the side of a building at Main and Jackson, and the mural is a snapshot of downtown Elkhart in 1910.

“They're learning how they can make a positive influence on the community, instead of doing graffiti art, which is vandalism,” explained Elkhart Central art teacher Beth Sokolowski. “They can take their talent and show it in a positive way.”

It's no small undertaking. The mural is one and a half stories tall and about 42 feet wide.

For the students taking part in the project and giving up their summer vacations, it’s a learning experience on several levels. They’re learning about art, the city's history and giving back to the community.

“I've never done this project before, but I was really excited about coming in and painting over the summer,” said Elkhart Central senior Jessica Robins. “It’s something that's definitely different than just kind of sitting around or just sketching. I'm really excited about leaving a lasting mark on Elkhart.”

“There’s more detail you have to add to it. It’s a little bit hard but it's like fun to do,” said junior Deyli Ruiz. “We’re learning how to do all these kinds of things.”

“I really love painting and art, so doing this is just adding on to my education from school into the summer,” said senior Michael Ezzell. “And it’s a great use of time — better than sleeping in in the morning and waking up at noon and then wasting my day away.”

They started work on the mural on June 8 and hope to wrap up the project next week, weather permitting.

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