http://www.lacanadaonline.com/articles/2006/07/06/news/lnws-mural0706.txt

Murals Add Personal Touch to La Cañada High School Cafeteria

By Mary O'Keefe

Now students at La Cañada High School eat their lunch under the watchful eyes of Hendrix, Morrison and Ozzie. Those are just some of the "Fathers of Rock and Roll" depicted on a mural on the wall of the newly remodeled school cafeteria. In fact the walls were decorated with all types of musical influences throughout the world. From classical ballet to the present influence of the Ipod the walls were filled with a musical celebration.

On June 30, murals painted by students from the Advanced Art classes were officially unveiled. The students spent months designing and painting murals that now hang on the walls of the once drab cafeteria. The inspiration was a joint venture between the school district, LCHS PTA, art teacher Mike Kauffman, Principal Damon Dragos, students and parents.

"This happened by 24 artists who shared their talents," Dragos said.

He said the murals add to the overall remodeling of the cafeteria. "This room is invigorated with new walls and a projection entertainment system."

The cafeteria has been renovated through money from a modernization bond. The room has new flooring and newly painted walls. In addition the 7/8 and high school PTAs collected money to offset extra costs the bond did not cover. The additional money allowed for extras like new tables and the entertainment system.

"This is now a place that kids will be drawn to," Dragos said. "This has been an enormous amount of work."

He credits the district, PTA, parents and students with all working together to get the cafeteria to the point it is now.

"We will continue to add personal touches, [like the murals]," Dragos said.

Many of the artists attended the unveiling and spoke about their art and inspiration. Melissa Woodhouse brought her little sister Kati to the cafeteria. Woodhouse was inspired by Ipod posters.

"Everyone submitted a theme, the PTA then chose [what we were to paint]," Woodhouse said.

Each mural was a collaboration of four to five students. Woodhouse did one third of her mural.

"We worked on it for about two months," she said.

Woodhouse is hoping to continue in art next school year.

Spencer Thompkins, another artist, was inspired by the music from Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.

"I listen to their music," Thompkins said. He added that the project was a great opportunity to combine his love of music with his love of art.

Kauffman was impressed by the students dedication and their enthusiasm for the project.

"They totally stepped up," Kauffman said.

Each mural was painted on canvas and framed in acrylic box allowing mobility.

"Now if we need to paint the walls or want to change them around we can," Dragos said.

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