The decorative walls of AFHS showcase the undeniable artistic talent of its student body. Possibly the most eye-catching of the school’s artistic gems would be the powerful and vibrant murals adorning the bathroom entrances. The influential figures honored in the displays include Greta Thunberg, Kobe Bryant, Stan Lee, and many more in an effort to inspire students.
All the thanks for these beautiful pieces should go to the National Art Honors Society, who work hard to create the murals. Nik Li (11), the Vice President of NAHS and director of the murals project reflects on their purpose, saying that they highlight, “influential speakers and people who have helped shape society.” Li says that the project garnered a lot of support from the club when it first began, and now the effort can be attributed to a smaller group of consistent artists, who meet every Tuesday after school. Li hopes that in the future more of the club will get involved in the creative process and make it more collaborative.
Madi Stovall (12), the Co-President of NAHS, commemorates the “rebooting” of the murals project after its pause during the pandemic, saying, “it’s a great opportunity to have many classes of kids doing it.” Stovall points out that the club, like so many others, struggled with providing a fulfilling experience for its members during the shutdown, and says she has been thrilled with coming back this year. She has loved how the mural project has unfolded, and mentions that while it focuses on the bathrooms, their vibrant artwork can be seen all over the school. Stovall adds, “for just this project I believe we are just planning on doing the bathrooms. But obviously, that doesn’t stop our murals.” Work by the club can also be seen in the gym hallway and the cafeteria.
For students interested in joining NAHS, Li recommends talking to its presidents, Stovall or Amishi Goel, or its advisor, Ms. Cave. Students can also follow the club’s Instagram, @afhsarts. Prospective members must have taken at least one art class in high school. And for those interested in joining the murals team, Stovall notes that they will be contributing to an admirable effort, saying, “it's to not only highlight amazing people that have gone out into our community and done amazing things...but to show students here that they can be just like them.”