In the heart of Town and Country, our enthusiastic Principia ninth graders recently embarked on a colorful adventure: creating a vibrant mural for the new Blacksmith’s Grove tunnel under Clayton Road, just down the street from Principia. 

Guided by the creative duo of Visual Arts and Design teacher Grace (Bonwich) Hinthorne (US’08, C’12) and Social Studies teacher Don Sterrett (US’95), these students formed into teams brimming with creativity.  

The artistic journey began with a thought-provoking question: "How do we form and shape a collective identity?" This question inspired the students to dive deep into the history and values that shape Town and Country. Divided into nine teams of five, each student took on essential roles within project management, design, research, and presentation management, ensuring that every voice was heard and every talent shone bright. 

From day one, the mural project became a canvas for storytelling, reflecting the community’s rich heritage and dreams. "We wanted the students to experience the real-world process of creating something impactful," explained Sterrett, highlighting the project’s significance. 

Equipped with guided worksheets to spark their creativity, students explored murals in the St. Louis area near The Grove and Cherokee Street. They assessed colors, styles, and messages, returning to the classroom with ideas that were transformed into sketches and concepts—showcasing the importance of collaboration and feedback. "Iteration is key," Hinthorne reminded them, emphasizing that refining ideas is a crucial skill, both in art and life. 

Community involvement was a vital aspect of their project. During the annual Fire and Ice festival, students interacted with locals, gathering insights and opinions about what the mural should represent. This outreach not only enriched their designs but also fostered a sense of ownership within the community. 

As their project progressed, the students integrated elements that celebrated nature, history, and the unique essence of Town and Country. When it came time to present to the Town and Country Board, each team showcased their ideas and designs with impressive professionalism. Board members praised the students for their thorough presentations and thoughtful designs, with one remarking, "These kids are going to be the future project managers of the world!" 

As the students gear up for the mural’s eventual painting next year, they reflect on their incredible journey. This project taught them not only artistic skills but also instilled a profound sense of pride and belonging in the community. “We’re looking for character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking,” said Hinthorne. “We hit all six of those with this project for our beloved community.” 

Stay tuned as this exciting mural project unfolds.