Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Student artwork brightens garage on the campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
From vandalized plywood to public art: Spokane students transformed boarded-up cathedral windows into vibrant community murals celebrating local landmarks and creativity.
By Cindy Hval | FāVS News Reporter
Main Points
There’s nothing pretty about plywood.
After vandals broke a window in the three-car garage on the campus of St. John’s Cathedral, volunteers nailed boards over the openings.
As Dean Heather VanDeventer said, “The plain plywood was secure but not friendly, nor sightly.”
A creative solution
“It (the garage) looked ugly,” said Tom Stice.
He’s a member of the Cathedral’s property committee. During a meeting to discuss solutions, he proposed an innovative idea.
“I raised my hand and said, ‘Why not make a student art project out of it?'”
His inspiration may have stemmed from the fact that both of his parents were teachers.
“Maybe I just channeled their creativity,” he said.
The committee approved his idea, so Stice reached out to Carol Pederson, K-12 Visual & Performing Arts Coordinator for Spokane Public Schools.
“My job is to connect the community with teachers and students,” she said. “I like to get their work out there so the community can see that we have wonderful artists in our programs.”
Callout for teen artists
Pederson reached out to area high school art teachers.
“Carol has been a great ally in the effort — she got it right away,” said Stice. “The intent for us was to have the eight 38-inch by 70-inch panels painted by young folks to look like windows — with scenes of nature, city landscapes and perhaps the cathedral seen through the make-believe glass. We wanted the plywood ‘canvas’ to look welcoming and clean. Our attitude was, let the young artists create and watch the magic.”
Two teachers responded — Amy Sleeth at Lewis and Clark and Carrie Stroud from Shadle Park.
They pitched the idea to their students and asked for volunteers.
The magic happens
“Five young ladies committed to this project,” said Sleeth.
The cathedral paid for the panels and supplies and let the students dream.
“I helped prime and sand the panels,” she said. “The girls discussed what they wanted to do and settled on Spokane icons.”
Student artist Jane Hauge selected the familiar red wagon from Riverfront Park as her theme and collaborated with fellow student Stella Druffel on a painting of the cathedral. Blooming lilacs in the foreground enhance the Spokane-centric theme.
Camryn Babin depicted the landmark Clocktower against a brilliant blue sky, while Vanessa Ruppert and Lilly Fontaine teamed up on a Riverfront Park scene complete with the famous Garbage Goat.
“They went through every part of the emotional artistic process,” said Sleeth. “Their hard work exceeded my expectations — I’m thrilled with the results.”
Meanwhile at Shadle Park, Carrie Stroud was excited to offer the opportunity to her beginning art students.
“Any time we can connect students with their community and make it relevant, it builds their confidence,” she said.
Her students had recently studied surrealism, and that influence informed their work.
Brooke Park, alongside fellow student Adria Cash, brought a moose on the loose to life in the heart of Manito Park. The panel depicts the dapper fellow on a bench in front of the duck pond reading a book.
Cash also assisted Lauren McKean with her whimsical painting of fish flying across the sky.
Laila Armstead’s work invites viewers to peer into a quiet garden with a family of ducks frolicking in a pond.
“I was looking for a soft, fairytale-type painting,” she said.
The stage at the Fox Theatre features a familiar figure in unfamiliar garb. Samantha Walker imagined Smokey the Bear in a tutu making his ballet debut.
“I’m happy with the way it turned out,” she said. “It’s colorful!”
Stroud expressed pride in her students’ work and said the opportunity was timely.
“There is discussion at the state level to make art an elective,” she said. “But every kid needs exposure to the arts. That creativity transfers in so many different ways. Art is something that belongs to everybody.”
The unveiling
Once the panels were finished, Stice picked them up and applied a clear coat of anti-vandal spray to each one.
“The spray also has UV protection,” he said.
On Thursday, a small crowd gathered around the formerly dull brown garage. Plastic sheets were whisked off to reveal the students’ hard work and creativity.
Applause rang out as each panel was unveiled. Several students posed for photos with their artwork.
“Everyone is thrilled,” Stice said.
That includes the cathedral’s dean.
“It’s a beautiful addition to our garage,” VanDeventer said. “The painted boards will allow the cathedral to keep it secure and also to bring some artwork to this part of the campus. I’m thankful for the partnership with Spokane Schools.”
Student artist Samantha Walker hopes people will enjoy the results of the project.
“I’m excited to see how other people react to it,” she said. “I think it’s so cool to paint something for the community and bring joy to others!”
FāVS News uses professional journalists and thoughtful commentary to explore faith, values and ethics. Support journalism like this by making a tax-deductible donation. FāVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. © FāVS News. All rights reserved. Reproduction permitted only to authorized media partners or with written permission.
