Deer Park Elementary School’s hallways have undergone a facelift. Thanks to some forward thinkers at the school and renowned muralist Kacy Jackson, students can seek inspiration from a utopia of colors and scenes – a far contrast from the standard taupe or gray.
Staff members Darlene Barnett and Jennifer Hagan presented the idea to the school principal, Robin Nalley, who was immediately on board. After a short search, they found Jackson, who has several recognizable murals across Louisville and the state.
Nalley wanted to create a vibrant school community with the murals while reinforcing educational objectives.
“Mr. Jackson has transformed physical spaces throughout the school, creating vibrant environments,” Nalley said. “The murals convey educational messages reinforcing learning in an unconventional and memorable way.”
After venturing to Owensboro from Louisville for an assessment, Jackson knew the walls would create the perfect canvas.
“We’re educating kids today for tomorrow – they are the future,” Jackson said. “My mission is to inspire and impact others, especially in Kentucky – that’s my brand. It’s nice to expand and grow outside of Louisville.”
Gov. Andy Beshear certified Jackson as a Kentucky creator, an accomplishment he cherishes. Anyone who’s visited Louisville in recent years will recognize Jackson’s murals at the Mellwood Art Center, under viaducts, at the Autism Center, and the infamous “Looavul. Luhvul. Loueville. Looaville. Looeyville.” painting on the Louisville Visitor Center near Fourth Street Live.
At Deer Park, he’s installing a mural showcasing the transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly, much like a child’s transition to adolescence. Another mural features Mt. Rushmore, while another will consume some of the gym’s walls.
“Today, children are readers; tomorrow, they’re leaders. That’s the inspiration behind this,” he said.
The students at Deer Park are as ecstatic about the transformation as the teachers and administrators.
“It’s good,” said 5th-grader Luke Stiff. “I think the more artwork we have, the more creative and inspired the students will be.”
For some students, it’s all about the colors.
“It makes me really happy because it has such bright colors,” 2nd-grader Simone Stephens.
Nalley said that even though the murals aren’t complete, the impact has been immediate.
Said Nalley: “Students are gaining a better understanding and appreciation for art through inquisitive questions and interaction with the artist and seeing a project transform from draft form to completion.”
