Middle School Students Paint Mural For Peace

Perkiomen Valley Middle School West’s Mural Club finished its fifth and final mural in May, a colorful work that features a “Peace and Equality” theme, inspired by artist Peter Max.

Max’s iconic psychedelic images portray peace, happiness and cultural awareness. Students looked to his work to come up with some of the images they incorporated into the mural, such as the peace sign, the peace hand gesture, an equality banner being pulled by an airplane, and the yin-yang symbol. Other images include smiley faces, hearts, and a heart made out of puzzle pieces.

Quotes about peace from influential people throughout history are scattered throughout the mural. Some are from role models like Mother Teresa while others are from musical artists, such as John Lennon. 

The Mural Club’s mission is to help beautify the school by completing permanent artworks in the building. The club is intended to create a community by uniting students and teachers together, to present important concepts in the school and society while addressing our concern for the environment by faithfully using recycled materials in our murals.

Eighth-grade members include Elizabeth Abraham, Ali Altieri, Qichen Azzalina, Kelly Basiura, Fernanda Bernal, Anna Bruni, Maura Cunningham, Kaitlyn Cusumano, Jenna Decembrino, Meghan Drakas, Madalyn Figurelle, Avamarie Goncalves, Kelly Gray, Allie Fry, Samantha Fusco, Anna Hansen, Briana Johanson, Alyssa Kell, Erin Lawrence, Philip Lewis, Emilia Leyes, Brynn Maiden, Raelie Mulvey, Gina Naseef, Hannah Range, Tessa Sandler, Sarah Stubbs, Laura Styer, Michele Szabo, Julia Taglianetti, and Kayley Taylor.

The group is led by art teacher Marla Shipe.