Lawrence Looks to Bring More Color to School with New Mural

The could get a little more colorful this year.

School Committee members have given their approval for a garden-themed painting on the exterior of one of the school's north-facing walls. The 15-by-20-foot mural would would appear behind a vegetable and flower garden that was planted in front of the wall this year.

"This particular piece makes sense in this particular spot because it really enhances the garden," said Helen Charlupski, a School Committee member. 

Charlupski said Lawrence Principal Rick Rogers feels that the project will bring a strong sense of community to the staff, parents and students who will be creating it.

School Committee member Henry Warren voiced concerns about graffiti destroying the mural, but Charlupski said Rogers has done similar projects at inner city schools and students are less apt to destroy something they have created themselves.

"The actually work is going to be done by the kids," said Charlupski. "They are going to be doing the drawings that the artists will then help put up on the mural."

The mural will be financed through fund-raising efforts and art grants. The project now goes before the Planning Board for final approval.