Artist Ratha Sok snaps a group selfie with Ellis Elementary students who helped design their school’s new mural.
The power of community was on full display Wednesday, May 18 when a new mural in the main lobby of Ellis Elementary was unveiled. Designed and painted by a group of 10 fourth and fifth graders at the school with help from local artist Ratha Sok, the mural features the school’s colors and eagle mascot as well as details that remind students of character traits they’re encouraged to adopt.
According to Ellis Elementary art teacher Erika Young, students selected to participate in the project were chosen because they “exhibit characteristics such as a positive attitude.” Other character strengths promoted at the school include optimism, social intelligence, gratitude, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and self-control.
Fourth-grader Ximena Garcia Barba, one participant, said she enjoyed the group’s “sketch sessions,” when she and other students drew pictures of their ideas for what could be included in the finished piece. The group met once a week for one month to design the mural and then help paint it.
“I like the puzzle pieces,” Ximena added, referring to specific elements that made it into the final design, “because they make me think of perseverance and how you have to work hard to finish a project.”
“All of these students were very passionate,” said Ratha Sok, the artist who helped oversee and complete the group project, which was made possible through a grant from the Assistance League of Denver. “They were also really talented. It was a lot of fun to work with them.”
Sok was teamed up with Ellis Elementary when the school asked Sue Edwards, executive director of Community Resources, Inc., to find a local artist who could work with a group of students.
Edwards reached out to the city of Denver’s Urban Arts Fund for recommendations, screened applicants, and was pleased to have the opportunity to hire Sok, an alum of West High School and a current Metro State University business student who is also a noted artist who specializes in urban art.
Sok has worked on other murals in schools, parks, and other locations throughout Denver.
