A business that had Trinity Lutheran High School Art Club members paint its windows in the spring recently reached out to have that done again this fall.
Adviser Carrie Adler spread the word to see if other businesses would jump on board, and once again, they did.
Ten participated in the spring, and eight participated in the fall.
On Oct. 2, 24 Art Club students spent time painting windows around the area of downtown Seymour.
“We thought it was so successful in the spring we would attempt it again,” Adler said. “The kids seemed excited, as some weren’t able to join us in the spring.”
Businesses participate by donating whatever amount they choose. In the spring, Adler said each of the 10 businesses gave between $50 and $200.
“We felt like that was an amazing few hours for our club to raise funds for things like field trips, visiting artists, extra supplies that we might not be able to buy otherwise, even display equipment for our art show in the spring and anything else our club might feel is worth fundraising for,” she said.
“I’m always amazed at how supportive the local businesses are,” she said. “They are generous and supportive to all of the students in our county, and it really shows. We are thankful they trust us to come out and do the work for them. It sure makes our students feel good, as sometimes, they know the owners and feel a special connection to painting for them.”
Since the club already had paint on hand, the main planning this time around went into the designs.
“I would say half the businesses came up with a plan on their own, and the other half asked us to come up with a design, so it was fun to talk through sort of what a client would want,” Adler said. “And of course, even when you plan something, it is interpreted differently by the group painting, so it is fun to see the final product on each business.”
Adler said it was neat to see the ideas come to life.
“When that first bit of paint goes on, it is always a bit on the scary side,” she said. “It is funny I have in my head how I would start, and they sometimes go about it differently, but again, I have to trust that they know what they are doing. We have a very short lesson on how to paint the windows. Then the students all split up and go on their way. They never disappoint.”
Club members Drew Kerkhof and Brooklyn Covey worked on the windows at Popsey’s Electric Tattooing Co., which recently moved from the Vehslage Building to 123 W. Second St.
Covey served as the team leader and came up with the design, which includes a ghost giving another ghost a tattoo, the words “Spooky season” on the front door, pumpkins, a tree and a string of purple and green lights.
“I was very excited because I want to be a tattoo artist, and when Popsey’s asked us to paint, I couldn’t wait to get started on a plan for the windows,” Covey said. “Personally, I worked on a sketch ahead of time so we could get started right away. Then that day, we discussed in our group the jobs each person would have, and with lots of teamwork, we got it done in a reasonable time.”
Kerkhof and Covey were happy with how it turned out.
“I was very proud to see where we got with the idea with it going from a sketch on paper to a fully visualized acrylic painting on the window,” Kerkhof said.
“I always like seeing my planning for projects come to life, so it was very exciting for me to watch the others in our group put a creative spin on my original sketch,” Covey said. “Seeing Popsey’s post our design on Facebook was pretty cool.”
As people see their artwork, Kerkhof said he hopes it makes them feel the Halloween spirit.
“But also, I hope they look at the art and appreciate the time and talents of the students that created it,” he said. “Raising money through painting helps the club grow but also brings a brightness to the community through our artistic abilities that God has given us.”
Art is Covey’s favorite class at school and is the best part of her day, and the window painting fundraiser was a way for her and other students to share their talents with the community.
“I hope they feel inspired to be creative in what they do, and I hope it adds a little brightness to their day,” she said.
Adler said she always beams with pride as she drives around and sees the finished window paintings.
“I know they aren’t always professional paintings, but the amount of time and effort put into each painting is really not something people can see with a glance,” she said. “I’m also proud of the diverse group of students who come to help. Giving up free time is hard, but they don’t complain. In fact, some might actually have had fun.”
Looking forward, Adler said the club might limit its window painting to once a year. In the spring, they may be painting a mural.
“Fall seemed to be an easier time to get students to come out to work without conflicts, so that might become our normal time to paint,” she said.
Art Club currently has around 30 students.
“Usually, Art Club meets one time a month, but we have recently implemented a visiting artist program,” Adler said. “We have asked community members who create handmade items to come in and expose our students to something new and different, something they might not have a chance to do within our four walls.”
Other activities include a field trip, helping with school auction centerpieces and painting backdrops for the school musical.
“We are very busy, but I always wish we could do more,” Adler said.
She looks forward to continued support from the community and involvement from students.
“I just want to thank all of the community members who continue to support what we do in and out of school and our students for continuing to take pride in what they do and showing up to represent our school and our values while showcasing their talents,” Adler said.