Jessica Moschouris, art teacher at Highlands School, is supporting and encouraging students as they paint a mural in the middle school wing.
Principal Holbrooks and Moschouris began talking about projects at the end of last school year. The plan was to make words of affirmation through the school, but Moschouris asked about artistic murals.
“I came up with a concept to play around with the essence of Highlands. I love the mountains up here and I absolutely love fall when the trees are changing colors. I also wanted to incorporate some folk art throughout the Appalachian area,” Moschouris said.
The mural is primarily led and designed by students with Moschouris supporting them as needed. Moschouris is working on adding elements from involved students so they all feel connected to the project. The mural is also a part of the students’ final grades.
Alexis Turner, Evangelina Silverthorn, Hailey Wardwell, Kristopher Magiolocca, Layla Babac, Delainey Owens, Jada Prevatt are the high school students working on the mural.
“I want to encourage students to embrace their creativity. I believe group art projects foster confidence, build a sense of community, promote thoughtful discussion, enhance communication skills, encourage teamwork, and allow students to be goal-oriented,” Moschouris said.
Young artists have been working on this mural since after Thanksgiving break. The goals are to finish by the end of January. Moschouris hopes to add additional murals to the entrance of the school and the elementary and high school wings.
Moschouris said she has always had a passion for art. She earned a bachelors in studio art and art history, concentrating in oil paintings and ceramics, with a minor in philosophy from Western Carolina University in 2012.
“I just kept finding my way back to the love of teaching and the love of being able to inspire children while also being inspired,” Moschouris said. “It’s just so beautiful when I teach them something and it clicks and they get excited.”
Moschouris has a memory of her teacher’s encouragement in high school. Moschouris enjoys watching students find their niche, whether that be in art, science, or other fields.
“It can definitely heal, open, and awaken their soul in a beautiful way,” Moschouris said.