Plains art students honor Dr. Seuss

PLAINS – It was dark in the little school library over the weekend save for a single spotlight shinning on a white wall. There a student, poised on the platform, stood tracing the projected image with her face an inch away from the canvas.

Senior Tiara “Tia” Thompson has played a part in beautifying Plains High School by painting multiple murals. When Thomson heard of the new librarian’s desire to add a little pizazz to the library, she could not resist the urge to assist.

“The new librarian Mrs. Plutt wanted to do it ever since she got here and then when I found out that she wanted one that was Dr. Seuss themed I was like OK, I have to do this because I love him,” Thompson said. “I was so excited.”

Thompson was so enthusiastic about the project she worked to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. Within a couple of weeks she had the design ready and approved. Then it was just a matter of getting the setup and the paint.

“We are just going for it,” Thompson said.

Thompson knew the mural would be a serious undertaking, especially so close to the end of the school year, so she recruited some help. Shaira Caldwell will be assisting with the Dr. Seuss mural as well.

Caldwell and Thompson worked together before on previous mural projects because both share a passion for art. Both are in advanced art and seek additional art projects.

Thompson completed a wrestling themed mural in the mezzanine her sophomore year. Thompson and Caldwell did another one together in Mr. Allen’s class. Caldwell also designed the mural in Mr. Tyrell’s office that says “you decide” which fits because he is the school counselor.

According to Thompson, the wrestling mural took 110 hours to complete. The one the girls did for the counselor’s office was significantly smaller so it did not take up too much time. The Dr. Seuss mural, however, is the largest of the three so it might take the longest amount of time.

“This one will probably take a pretty big chunk of time,” Thompson said. “With what I want to do for it, there are a lot of parts and pieces.”

Thompson’s mural design depicts a wide array of Dr. Seuss characters. It will show the Cat from The Cat and the Hat, Horton from Horton Hears a Who and Sam from Green Eggs and Ham. It will also show a lesser known character, the nerd from the first book by Dr. Seuss.

Thompson also has an interesting idea for the mural design. She intends on creating a frame around the characters that will be well suited for the library.

“I’m hoping that I can put the covers of Dr. Seuss books on the sides to column it but I’m not sure how it will project or if it will fit yet,” Thompson said. “I would like to put the books so that it is more library oriented.”

A mural fit for the school library will require a multi-step process to complete. First, the design is projected on the wall and traced. Thompson uses permanent marker for a majority of the tracing but uses pencil on the really detailed parts such as the book covers. The outlines are then colored in with paint to complete the mural. The library mural project is in good hands due to Thompson’s many years of art experience.

“I have been taking art classes since seventh grade but when I was little I would always be drawing faces. I took art all four years because it is my relaxer. I can’t not do it,” Thompson said.

Thompson plans on pursuing art further in college and possibly incorporating it into her future career.

She wants to be a nurse and possibly a pediatrician eventually. Thompson likes the idea of art therapy and incorporating it into her future practice. She plans to take college art classes no matter what.

This project means a lot to Thompson because of her love for kids and art. She is also happy to be leaving something behind for future students to enjoy after she is gone.

“I enjoy doing it for the little kids,” Thompson said.