Former Olney High Student Muralists Return to Teach Art to Second Chance Students

Now art teachers, they shared the positive impact art has had on them

(Philadelphia, PA – December 17, 2014)

In 2008, Olney students Sam Rodriquez, Monica Mathieu and Jamee Grisgby were part of a team that created the beautiful, huge mural on the side of Olney High School. The painting is called “Common Grounds” and covers an entire side of the large Olney building. The trio went on to become art teachers with the Mural Arts program.

The three returned on December 16 for a full day of teaching art classes at what is now Aspira Olney Charter High School to students in the Response-to-Intervention (RTI) program for students who struggle with the regular curriculum and who have violated the school’s behavioral policy. The program is operated for Aspira by Camelot Education.

Rodriquez, Mathieu and Grisby now teach art for the Mural Arts Program. They talked about their experiences in creating the Olney mural and also how they mix art with entrepreneurial methods to use art as a career.

The group has extensive experience working with young people who have gotten into trouble or just lost their way in education.

In 2008, these students worked with visiting students from Ireland to create the mural called “Common Grounds” which covers an entire side of the large Olney building. The Olney students then visited Ireland to work an art project there.