A colorful new mural is brightening the South Commons at Middleton High School thanks to senior Isla Holmstrom.
Her mural originated from a schoolwide contest organized by retired Middleton High School principal Peg Shoemaker during the 2023-24 school year. Students were challenged to create a design centered on the theme of belonging, and Holmstrom's artwork was selected as the winning design.
For Holmstrom, the theme connected naturally with the type of art she enjoys creating most.
"Figure drawing is one of my favorite things to do as an artist, so I interpreted the prompt through that lens,” she said.
Her signature use of bright colors also helped shape the final piece, resulting in a mural that draws attention and adds energy to the space.
Although the mural was originally designed to be reproduced as a vinyl print, the final version was painted by hand. Translating the digital design into a large-scale mural presented a new challenge.
"It was definitely difficult to adjust the design for hand painting, but after a few tries I found a style that worked," Holmstrom said.
Now completed, the mural serves as a vibrant addition to a space used daily by students and staff.
"I hope that the mural brings some more excitement and color into the school," she said.
As she prepares to graduate, Holmstrom is also looking ahead to the next chapter of her artistic journey. This fall, she will attend Savannah College of Art and Design, where she hopes to continue developing her skills and learning from other artists.
"I'm excited to explore new skills and get feedback in order to become a better artist," she said.
While Holmstrom's time at Middleton High School is coming to a close, her artwork will remain a lasting part of the school community, bringing color, creativity and a sense of belonging to the South Commons for years to come.