Students, Artist Bring Mural to Life at Torey J. School

On Feb. 7 Dan Fenelon, an artist, muralist and sculptor based in Madison, unveiled a 12 x 12 foot wall mural in the Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School’s “Jaguar Jungle” multi-purpose space. 

The mural, a multi-colored jungle scene with a prominent jaguar in the foreground, was created with the help of all the TJS students over a two week period. The mural was made possible through funding from the Madison Education Foundation and the TJS PTO. The original grant application for the mural was submitted to the Foundation by Michael Watson, art teacher at both TJS and Kings Road School.

“The TJS mural is a perfect example of how the Foundation and school PTOs can partner to fund exciting projects that expand upon the school’s curriculum,” says Foundation Vice President Karen Shahidi. “Each student at TJS had the opportunity to work with Mr. Fenelon in the creation of a beautiful art piece that will now be on permanent display at their school.”

Madison Education Foundation Secretary and Grant Committee Member Karen O’Keeffe was on hand with her Grant Committee partner Laura Burgess during the unveiling. Both Foundation representatives commented on the rewarding aspect of reviewing a grant application, shepherding it through the approval process and then witnessing the completion. “Mr. Fenelon is an incredibly accomplished artist and we were delighted to have Mr. Watson bring his talents to the school through the Foundation’s grant process,” said O’Keeffe.