Muralist ready to begin work this summer at LHS
Painters paint the courtyard walls white at LHS in preparation for a large mural, which will be painted this summer.
May 25, 2021
The vacant walls of Lawrence High School are soon to be made vibrant and colorful by muralist Phil Shafer.
As construction draws to a close this summer, Lawrence High’s exterior walls that face the courtyards are a fresh canvas to represent the school in a new mural.
“The mural will give students, faculty, staff, parents and community members a daily reminder of what it means to be a member of the LHS community and their pride in being the only Chesty Lions in the world,” interim principal Dr. Cynthia Johnson said.
Phil Shafer, a painter and owner of Sikes Styles Industries, is set to paint LHS’ new exterior mural. Shafer has previously painted murals at schools, walls of stores and restaurants, and even a wall at Fox 4 News in Kansas City. Sikes and his partner, Holly Hayden, run the business together and are based mainly in Kansas City. Shafer has won many awards for his murals, including the Urban Hero Award and being recognized in The Kansas City Star. Shafer has also painted murals for schools in the Kansas City area, which include his signature bold color schemes and bright patterns.
“The LHS mural will definitely be bold and colorful,” Shafer said. “Some areas will incorporate the striking school colors while other areas will have a wider spectrum of color.”
While sketches or plans for the new painting aren’t being widely shared, art teacher Todd Poteet said a group of teachers, students and Shafer have had meetings to plan the upcoming project.
“From those meetings with the different groups, he took ideas, concepts, stories, information and visuals and put together a proposal for the mural,” Poteet said.
The mural is going to represent all the parts of the school that make it unique, and help to remind students and faculty of what it means to be in this community.
“We want viewers to feel that the mural represents Lawrence Lions’ spirit in past, present and future,” Shafer said. “There’s only one ‘Chesty Strong’ Lawrence High School, so this mural will have imagery that will relate directly to the school experience and keep the memories alive for years to come.”
Johnson is also part of the group of students and staff working with Shafer.
“The purpose of the mural in the courtyard is to tell a portion of the LHS Story, to capture Lawrence High School’s rich history and traditions, and to celebrate the diversity of each student who attends.” Johnson said.
The mural is scheduled to be complete by August, just in time for students coming back to school.
“The mural is a piece of art anyone can enjoy, but viewers can also dig deeper for stories and meanings in the images throughout the walls.” said Shafer.
