Bringing a little light into the hallways at BKW

BKW senior Breanna Fritchley showcasing her initial design for the mural on the secondary school campus.
BKW senior Breanna Fritchley showcasing her initial design for the mural on the secondary school campus.

Sometimes, students at BKW can bring an idea to the table that can beautify the school campus. That type of idea was recently brought forward by BKW senior Breanna Fritchley. On Sept. 11, she moved forward with designing, drafting, and painting a mural in the upstairs wing of the secondary school.

How did she get to that point? Well, it’s simple and it required some ingenuity and artistic inspiration for her initial proposal to her art teacher and then to BKW Secondary School Principal Mr. Tidd. It’s all a part of BKW students being allowed to pursue different types of professions or interests through internships in the district. It enables them to delve further into what areas of study interest them and how they can gain experience in the process.

Ms. Fritchley is working her way through her senior year and is looking to pursue fine arts/graphic design at Broome County Community College in the fall. She hopes her Asian-inspired mural pays dividends to those students walking the halls for years to come. She is a firm believer in art being a positive force for change and how it can inspire others to do the same.

Today, we introduce her Q&A conversation on how art has impacted her perspective and her future in being creative.

How did you become interested in proposing this mural?

I enjoy Japanese artwork, and the lotus is a primary focus in that type of design and expression. I just thought the area near the water fountain could use some color, and I wanted to design something that would fit the space and liven it up. It will probably take me 40-plus hours to complete the project from design to final touches of paint. It will also be included in my final grade for my Independent Art class.

How did you get into independent art?

I became interested in it around my junior year. I really enjoy being creative and felt comfortable in the class and the opportunities it offered.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I’m interested in pursuing a career in the tattooing industry or having established myself in an art-based career. I could see myself as a working artist painting and creating murals and working for myself as an entrepreneur.