"American Spirit Arena" project funded by CB Grant and completed by
Leichman Development & Beautification Committee
Excerpts from the Leichman's press release:
Nearly 100 special education students have helped muralist Elizabeth Criss create the "American Spirit Arena" at Leichman High School, 19034 Gault Street, Reseda, CA. With support from a Los Angeles Community Beautification Grant, the walls of the school's main courtyard have been filled with colorful details of our country's treasures and traditions. The goal is to help students understand the inspiring concepts contained in patriotic songs.
The project started a year ago when Principal Pauline Furman explained to artist Criss that even though the school recites the Pledge of Allegiance and broadcasts songs with patriotic themes, the meanings remained elusive to her students. The decision was made to enhance a drab courtyard with imagery chosen to convey a sense of country.
Today, the students can see Smokey Bear extinguishing a campfire beneath Half Dome in Yosemite. Opposite that, they can view the dome of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Now, when students exit their cafeteria, they walk past Benjamin Franklin and Rosie the Riveter tending "The Supreme Food Court", filled with a cornucopia of New World Crops. As students come and go, they pass "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" which relays a short history of transportation, from the Mayflower to the Space Shuttle. When students return to school this week, they will better understand the phrases "sea to shining sea," "amber waves of grain," purple mountains majesty," and more through the freshly painted "America the Beautiful".
About Leichman High School: An LAUSD facility, Leichman High School provides instruction to 215 students with moderate to severe disabilities from all over the San Fernando Valley. Ranging in age from 13 to 22, their curriculum focuses on developing communication, vocational, and independent life skills.
