ALLENTOWN, Pa. — After several weeks of dedication, students at Allen High School on Friday unveiled a vibrant mural they designed and created in a school hallway.
The project was funded by PA State GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide equitable college access and success for low-income students.
About 150 of Allen High's 1,400 10th-graders participated in the project, which depicts a canary — the school mascot — and the words, "Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power."
“This experience, I loved it, I really did,” said sophomore Alia Moeen. “Being able to collaborate with other students and making something so beautiful in my schools, I’m so proud of it.”
Sahar Simmons, an Allentown School District GEAR UP tutor, said the project was inspired as the GEAR UP team looked to incorporate the arts into the program.
“It was very easy because the art teachers really helped us push this program out. Without their support this wouldn’t have happened.”Sahar Simmons, GEAR UP tutor
Simmons said the mural project seemed perfect as it incorporated multiple themes in addition to art, such as technology and math.
Good vibes
To get students involved, Simmons said Allen art teachers spread the word, allowing students to use their class time to work on the mural.
“If they’re [students] in their classes, obviously they’re interested in art,” Simmons said. “It was very easy because the art teachers really helped us push this program out. Without their support this wouldn’t have happened.”
According to the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, schools participating in GEAR UP typically have one project a year.
Simmons said this GEAR UP project has been the most fulfilling to be part of because the students' reactions have been so positive, and even students outside of GEAR UP seemed engaged.
"There were so many upperclassmen and freshman who wanted to participate, but unfortunately we had to keep it just for GEAR UP kids,” Simmons said.
A cohesive piece
Local artist Kyle Edwards, founder of the brand a true l.o.v.e story and manager of Inkwell, a shared creative space in Allentown, collaborated with GEAR UP to support students and bring their artistic vision to life.
He said every element of the mural was inspired and developed by the students, merging their ideas into a single cohesive piece.
Alia Moeen said she got involved in the project when GEAR UP visited one of her classes.
With a particular interest in multimedia, sketching and painting, Moeen said the GEAR UP project felt like the perfect opportunity for her to further explore her passion for art.
In terms of technicality, Moeen said she learned how math is used to scale and proportion a design onto a wall.
She said the most valuable lesson was learning how art inspires people and has the potential to leave a lasting emotional impact.
She said she hopes to pursue art as a career one day.
Illuminate the possibilities
Having installed six murals within the Allentown School District, Edwards said his goal in working with kids has always been to illuminate the possibilities in life, especially through art.
During his time in high school, Edwards said he never thought art would be a viable option to pursue as a career; however, he did it anyway.
“Once you get to that point where you decide to do something and really stick to it, doors open up,” Edwards said.
For previous Allentown School District mural projects, Edwards said he worked with younger kids, usually middle schoolers.
“Seeing them surprised by their own abilities was pretty cool.”Artist Kyle Edwards
With the Allen mural being the first he has done with high schoolers, Edwards said he was surprised to see how many students were initially unaware of their own skills and talent.
As the weeks progressed, he said he could see the lightbulbs going off in real time.
“Once they got away from the idea of caring what other people thought around them and their peers, they can do some amazing things,” Edwards said. “Seeing them surprised by their own abilities was pretty cool.”
Edwards said he hopes the experience taught students how to create opportunities for themselves and to never get discouraged by the hurdles of life.
“If you’re on an assignment, you have to see it through,” Edwards said. “That’s going to be through good times and bad times.”
Edwards said he plans to continue working with the Allentown School District, teach students about career opportunities in the arts and help them discover their capabilities.
