Evergreen Park Students Blend Art and Science with New Mural
Students returning to Evergreen Park Community High School will notice a new mural combining artistry with scientific themes. Over the summer, some students dedicated their time to crafting this artwork, applying final touches shortly before the school year began.
Inspiration and Planning
Ava Chandler, a senior with interests in both art and science, noticed the absence of science-themed murals at the school. She proposed the creation of one to art teacher Tom Guerra, who supported the idea. “I’m a huge science person and thought it would be a cool idea to combine science and art,” Chandler explained. The mural captures the origins of various scientific disciplines and their connections.
Mural Details
The design features elements from the periodic table, depictions of Sir Isaac Newton, scientific equations, and evolutionary imagery, showcasing everything from aquatic life to humans. Additionally, the mural includes a DNA helix, parts of a dinosaur, and an asteroid. This project made the summer school visits both enjoyable and educational for the students involved.
“I like chemistry the most because it’s interesting how substances interact and form the physical world,” remarked Juliana Bosch, a recent graduate heading to DePaul University for character design. Bosch highlighted the importance of accuracy and teamwork in the mural’s creation.
Team Collaboration
The mural project gathered a diverse group: Ava Chandler, Izabella Rodriguez-Acevedo, Jax Olson, Juliana Bosch, Natalia Mosely, Danny Sommerio, and Wilbur Smith. Participating students expressed excitement and fulfillment from the experience. For Izabella Rodriguez-Acevedo, the project rekindled her childhood love for painting, complemented by her new interests in graphic design and scrapboarding.
An EPCHS Foundation grant supported the mural’s completion. Rob Rymek, an industrial technology instructor, constructed the frame. Tom Guerra, a school alumnus, found personal satisfaction in guiding the project. As a student, he assisted in painting a reading-themed mural.
“It’s a nice way to find my way back full circle,” Guerra said. He sees the mural as an avenue for art students to gain recognition typically reserved for athletes in high schools. “It was a way for us to get recognition,” he added.
Janice Neumann contributed as a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.