Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) — A lot of the schools in Rapid City have been standing for decades, and many of them look the same today as when they were built.
However, that’s no longer the case at an elementary school.
A local artist is helping bring new life into the old structure.
Up until recently, going inside Pinedale Elementary – on the western edge of Rapid City – was like stepping back in time.
The same artwork lined the walls for generations.
“It’s somewhat abstract so a lot of kids just kind of walk by never really noticing it,” Pinedale Principal Laura Kamarainen said.
That’s no longer the case. Pinedale is now home to 14 original pieces of art.
“We’re always trying to help our students grow into leaders and be lifelong learners. So updating the art is a kind of a good way to remind them that we’re constantly learning and evolving and we want them to connect with our building,” Kamarainen said.
The PTA turned to local artist and parent Samantha Gartland to create something that would bring new life into this 1950’s building.
“I thought it’d be a great idea. I’ve walked around the school, I volunteer at the PTA. I now have two children here, one in second and one in kindergarten. And I thought it would be kind of cool to provide some bright, less creepy or drab art for the school,” Local Artist Samantha Gartland said.
Each piece of art was created specifically for the students.
“I did some research and looked into and found out what my kids would be inspired by and what would make them happy. And there was a lot of feedback we got just walking the halls. Just bringing in some of the art pieces and the kids in the hallway were asking what they were. And we would show them and they would say, oh that’s so cool, so just getting that feedback from them was really exciting,” Gartland said.
Now that the new artwork has arrived, that’s exactly what’s been happening when students walk through the hallways.
“Well it’s like almost all the other art they are like textured and like they come from the heart and this comes from the heart but it’s like more colorful and it just lightens up the school.” 2nd Grader Annabelle Gartland Said
“Well, I like that it’s new, because the old art was made before my dad was born and he’s old, so it’s good that we get new pieces,” 2nd Grader Eleanor Chalberg said.
This water-color art ranges from inspirational to fun and colorful to informational.
Some of the paintings teach students about animals and where to find them. That’s not all.
“It’ll coincide with a lot of our sayings that we use around school. I can do hard things, think win-win, that growth mindset we try to instill in our students,” Kamarainen said.
“That kids can use their imagination with it. Because is she on the earth or is she in outer space, and are we on the earth balloon or are we not,” Chalberg said.
The new artwork is giving students the opportunity to learn not only in the classroom, but in the hallways.
Pinedale is hoping these pieces inspire and remind their students that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
