20-Year-Old Student Paints New Mural on School Entrance

Lizzi Gallagher, a 20-year-old senior at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, completed a new mural on the doors of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Maspeth. Gallagher, who graduated from the high school in 2019, designed and painted the work herself.

The artwork features a bookcase that displays the academic subjects taught at the academy. It also depicts the school's extracurricular activities, including the performing arts group, the Aquinas club, and the sports association. Gallagher noted that her art classes at the school helped turn her interest in art into a passion, and she previously designed sets for the school's performing arts players.

Cathy Mangone, the school's principal, selected Gallagher for the project because of her familiarity with the student body. Mangone stated that Gallagher's connection to the community allowed her to include meaningful elements. The principal said the finished work serves as a reflection of the academy's specific identity rather than just a piece of art.

Gallagher said she chose to paint the mural to give back to her former school. She explained that remembering where one comes from shapes who a person becomes in the future. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in fine arts in design with the goal of becoming a graphic designer.

The new installation changes the appearance of the school's entrance. Mangone described the mural as a welcome to all visitors while reminding the community of its faith and values.