By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - A new four-season mural now graces the side of Middleburgh elementary school.
The mural, painted by MCS alum Casey Beal, was unveiled on a sunny Monday morning in front of school administrators, staff, and elementary school first, second, and sixth graders.
The mural, which depicts the four seasons and covers the wall facing the parking lot of the school, was painted by Ms. Beal, who graduated from MCS in 2005 and has a sixth grader, Stoney, at the school. Ms. Beal received grant funding to create a mural on the outside of the school.
Ms. Beal and her father Rich Beal pulled down the big tarp to reveal the colorful mural.
Before it was unveiled, Middleburgh elementary school Principal Amy Irwin said, "We are so excited for this very special day."
Ms. Beal thanked many people who aided her including her friend Hannah Sheehan, her mother and father, Middleburgh Hardware, the school district, and many others.
"I hope everyone can relate (to the mural), everyone can enjoy. It's bright and cheerful," Ms. Beal said.
She has completed several murals in and outside of Middleburgh.
Locally, she has painted murals in the weight room of the Middleburgh High School, a mural on the side of W. Whitman Books in Middleburgh, and a mural as part of the Mural Park in Middleburgh.
For the elementary school, she was offered funding through Saratoga Arts on behalf of New York State Council on the Arts.
She said she had a few locations in mind, but "loved the idea of creating a mural at the Elementary School to brighten the day for students, teachers/staff, and parents while waiting in the pick-up line. I wanted the mural to be fun and colorful, while speaking to my connection with the area.
"The mural depicts the four seasons, with playful scenes in each one of animals enjoying the outdoors. Each scene further depicts the feeling of community by depicting activities that I enjoyed as a child, and have been able to enjoy with my own child upon my return to the area (and I believe many families will also be able to relate to).
"My intention for this mural is to bring smiles to faces, encourage families to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, and create an opportunity for conversation."
The mural is about 11.5 feet tall by 37 feet wide.
Ms. Beal started prepping the brick wall in early September and finished painting the mural in about four weeks. She added a protective coat once the paint cured.
She used outdoor house paint, with most of her paint and supplies being purchased at Middleburgh Hardware to keep support local.
Principal Amy Irwin, right, watches as Casey Beal talks about the mural she painted
.Students listen to Casey Beal Monday morning.
Casey Beal and her father pull down the big tarp to reveal the mural Monday.
Casey Beal talks to students and art teacher Kim Audino about the mural.
Casey Beal shows students the finer points of the mural at MCS.
The mural is on the big side wall of the elementary school facing the parking lot.
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