Marquette Students Spare Time for Mural Project

Through the sum of its parts, bowling has been a team game, and that's just how students approached their effort to reinvigorate the bowling alley at the Missouri School for the Blind.

Three groups of Marquette students completed a mural this month at the St. Louis school, designed as a throwback to old-time bowling. Organizers at the Missouri School for the Blind hope the addition will make the alley more attractive to students and their families.

Marquette junior and Key Club member Amanda Winenger of Ballwin said her team was the first to be approached about the project. Soon, however, the group realized the great potential for incorporating other school clubs, particularly outlets for artistic talent, Winenger said.

“Key Club came in and did the base color, then the National Art Honor Society did the shading and more detailed work, but (the) Key Club filled in the big blocks of colors, so they were a big part of it," she said

Winenger, who also is a member of the National Art Honor Society, said giving back to the community lets her reflect on what she’s been given, and helps her mature, she said.

“It really makes you take a good look at what you have in your own life and the kind of things you’re blessed with,” she said. “It also makes you grow as a person, working with other people, (and) it develops your character, lets you meet new people and get a lot more life experiences.”

Marquette senior Brittany Herold, 17, was a big contributor to the sketching and design of the mural and said she appreciates every opportunity to give back to the community while using her artistic abilities.

“Volunteering definitely helps you feel better about giving back, especially when you can use your talent,” said Herold, who is a member of the National Art Honor Society. “It’s kind of like you’re giving back a gift that you’ve been given.”

All three clubs spent nearly ten hours sketching and painting the mural. Herold said they used giant projectors to sketch the design on the wall and then allowed the participating other groups to help paint and finish the project.

Marquette art teacher and National Art Honor Society sponsor Jamie Overschmidt said the club has a potential art opportunity at  in the future, and that the club will continue to assist the community in an artistic way whenever needed.