Ferris ISD students create artwork for animal shelter

FERRIS – The animal shelter in the city of Ferris got a colorful boost recently when students from Ferris Independent School District worked with the city’s animal shelter to create murals for the facility.

Ferris ISD art teachers Kaci Grantham and Karrissa Peterson were passionate about the project. Grantham said they were particularly excited about “getting our students involved in the community and bringing recognition to the art department in Ferris.”

The teachers gave students the parameters of creating a sketch of an idea that related to animals and Ferris.

“We then put up all of the designs and we let the students vote on their favorites.

“Then we discussed the best plan of action based on the students results,” Grantham said. 

“We took 12 students with us to work on the murals for three days and we intend to return one more day to finish it off.”

The artists used exterior house paint and free drew the dog house and sign in the front. Grantham said they used a projector to do the murals inside.

Ferris High School Principal Andru Gilbert said, “Ferris High School is consistently looking for ways to engage with our community and give back. We set a vision for the high school at the start of the year about being ‘Ferris Forward.’”

“We want to teach our kids how to live, serve, and give to our community in a meaningful way.

“Ms. Grantham and Ms. Peterson and our art students have worked diligently to display what they learn in a way that also beautifies our community,” Gilbert said.

Last year. the art students along with Grantham participated in the first mural at the Wings of Love, Bird Haven in town. They painted an 18 wheeler with the Bird Haven’s logo and free handed a border of leaves. They have another mural planned at the Wings of Love, Bird Haven for the spring semester.

“We are looking for more opportunities in Ferris for next year,” Grantham said.