This spring, eighth grader Laurel enlivened a Burlingame preschool with a cheerful mural she designed and painted for her Recital Project. Her bright mural adorns the Village Park Preschool, a location she selected because she wanted people all of ages in her community to enjoy her art.

"I thought with the addition of my artwork, the preschool and playground would become more lively and fun for the children mainly, but everyone else too," Laurel said.

The entire project (including finding a wall to paint, getting permission, creating a design, and enlisting fellow students to help paint) extended from October through March. Painting the mural took about two months with the help of some Nueva students. Because the City of Burlingame owns the preschool, Laurel had to obtain official permission from the city. To do so, she submitted an application for public art, and presented to both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Burlingame City Council.

“I decided on this particular design after selecting my location,” she said. “The wall I chose had a rectangular window in it already, so one of the biggest influencers of my design was figuring out a way to work this in.  This is the reason I chose the cottage theme.  I also thought that it was a fun and exciting theme that would engage the young children who regularly visit the park and attend the preschool. There are lot of bright colors, animals, and flowers for the same reason.”

Laurel remarked that her mentor, Nancy Torres, played in indispensable role in the project.

“She was always ready to help with an open mind and a brush in her hand,” Laurel said. “And it is because of her that I never gave up.”

Regarding what Laurel enjoyed most about the Eighth Grade Recital Project, she appreciated collaborating with friends and family, contributing to the community, and watching the preschoolers excitedly track her progress while knowing people of all ages will be able to enjoy her art for years to come.