When Tara Fulton’s first and second graders entered Belle Aire’s Learning Resource Center, or LRC, on Wednesday, Sept. 28, they immediately gravitated toward a beautifully detailed fairy tale mural that lined the entire wall and reading nook. The children eagerly pointed out familiar images, excitedly sharing their discoveries with friends.
“I feel like I’m in a fairy tale!” first grader Kyla exclaimed. “My favorite is the Three Billy Goats Gruff.”
“There’s Jack and the Beanstalk,” said Danny, a first grader. “He’s my favorite!”
“Ooooo, wow, I like Rapunzel the best!” added Aubrey, a second grader.
All told, Belle Aire’s brand new LRC mural seamlessly illustrates at least 18 fairy tales. Local artist and former Belle Aire parent Vicki McGrath created the intricate mural over the summer.
“Vicki took a blank and boring cinder-block wall and transformed it into something magical,” said Principal Brent Borchelt.
Last spring, Mr. Borchelt and Mrs. Fulton approached Mrs. McGrath asking if she would be interested in designing an LRC mural. Mrs. McGrath specializes in custom art, repurposed art and painted murals.
“Children’s murals are my favorite,” Mrs. McGrath said. “It was an honor to design the mural for Belle Aire School. I wanted to bring life to the walls and create something that would appeal to the children.”
With guidance from Mr. Borchelt and Mrs. Fulton, Mrs. McGrath researched and designed a mural depicting beloved fairy tale characters, detailed scenery and inviting pathways.
“I incorporated several pathways into the mural because I wanted kids to view them as pathways to their imagination,” Mrs. McGrath explained. “My hope is that the mural will inspire children to feel like they’re on the journey with the characters, allowing them to imagine and create.”
Mrs. McGrath completed the mural just in time for school to start. Since then, children enjoy using the space for small group LRC instruction or story time. This Wednesday, Mrs. McGrath visited Belle Aire and spoke with Mrs. Fulton’s students about the mural. The children relished the opportunity, asking her question after question about how she selected and drew the characters, along with how she became such a talented artist. Mrs. McGrath imparted important advice:
“I started painting when I was younger than you. I had to practice and work very hard!” she said. “If you’d like to become an artist, just like everything else, you must practice and practice and practice and you’ll eventually get better!”