The AV Art Club spend the first month of summer painting the school’s new mural to celebrate the Centennial. [photo provided by April Gong]

On June 30th, 2023, Amador Valley’s Art Club officially announced the completion of the school’s new mural. Since before the school-wide design contest, the club had been working to plan out the Centennial artwork.

“From when we first took on the project to when we completed it, it took more than six months. We were organizing the project and design contest for most of the time, and then we sorted out the logistics with Mr. Fey and Mr. Carrizales, the head custodian. Then we dedicated last few weeks solely to painting,” said Joseph Li (‘24), president of the AV Art Club.

Art club members and student volunteers consistently met over summer break to paint the mural. 

“I got to meet up with a bunch of really amazing people. We had a fun time creating the mural. Though we ran into some challenges like the wasp nest, and I got some sunburns. I still thought it was a really great experience,” said Cicely Wu (‘26), a member of AV Art Club.

Of course, the painting process had its ups and downs. In fact, some of the obstacles the painters faced were more than just art-related challenges.

“We did run into a few issues. There was a struggle figuring out how to transfer a digital design onto a giant wall, and we had some difficult recreating the colors in the original design using exterior wall paint. But the most unexpected problem was encountering the wasp nest inside the roof some days into the painting process. We couldn’t paint the mural’s top portion until a custodian helped get rid of the wasps,” said Li (‘24).

By the end of June, the students involved in the painting wrapped up the project by varnishing the mural. Their month-long task officially ended.

“After we finished the project , I felt really honored that I took part in such a passion-filled activity. I was really proud of everyone and just happy I was part of this process. Especially since it’s kind of a once in a lifetime experience,” said art club member Shambhavi Singh (‘24).

From the project proposal and design planning to supply-gathering and painting, the whole process of adding a new mural at the front of the school had involved countless people. And now, people entering the school can appreciate the art, and all the time and effort put into it.

“Both administration and non-administrative people like student and parent volunteers put in many hours of work to help complete this project. We’re really grateful for everybody who helped out,” said Li (‘24).