Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A fun surprise is in store for students at École Notre-Dame elementary school in Huntingdon.

Members of the school’s parent participation organization (PPO), including artist Marie-eve Hurteau, have created a new mural in the main hallway on the first floor of the school. The artwork replaces an outdated mural that was painted over 20 years ago that was beginning to chip and deteriorate.

Hurteau said she wanted to create a bright and colourful space, incorporating abstract designs to encourage the students’ imaginations and self-expression. The school’s only instruction was to produce something “beautiful,” and to possibly include a unicorn. “There were a few tweaks and inspiration that came along,” she laughs, suggesting that as she proceeded, she began to see what was missing and what would tie the project together.

PPO President Nadya Kovacs explained that the mural is part of a larger initiative to bring more joy, inclusion, and a fresh perspective to the building. “We tried to look into different grants for art projects, but unfortunately there was nothing available for the school,” she said. Without direct funding, the community rallied behind the project. Half of the paint was provided by the Quincaillerie RONA home improvement store in Huntingdon, and Hurteau donated her time and equipment. The PPO covered the remaining costs with funds raised during the previous school year.

“I am looking forward to the kids seeing it,” said Kovacs. “There are a lot of different colours, and a lot of ‘moving parts,’ but there is a little bit of everything and something for everyone,” she added.

Students will also find their library has been completely renovated thanks to a grant from IKEA. The students helped to empty the room and to paint at the end of last year, while PPO members helped with decorating and reinstallation.

Along with the mural and the library, Kovacs said the school will also be unveiling a new logo as part of the big reveals awaiting students when they return to classes next week.