The administration invited students to determine the theme for this mural. Students chose the environment as the focus of the murals. They wanted to express the idea that when one is connected to nature, one is connected to oneself. They wished to encourage respect and care of our environment. By combining the students ideas and art, the mural portrays surrealist style of trees growing in the air and giant planets overhead, character design, a rendering of a forest, concept of a clean vs polluted environment on different sides of the pillar, an interest in architecture and NYC landmarks, illustration of picking up litter from coastal areas. Three quotes that inspired the group during the mural making process were: “We are part of this universe. We are in this universe. But perhaps more important than both those facts, is that the universe is in us.” —Neil deGrasse Tyson, “Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent on the existence of the sea.” —Dr. Sylvia Earle and “For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
