After days of hard work and dedication two seniors, Britt Sodersjerna and Madeline Mortensen exhibit their final piece of art that will leave a long lasting impression on Westford Academy. They spent a week planning the replica mural and at last the idea came to them while brainstorming at Starbucks.

“A Bridge and Water Lilies” by the French impressionist artist, Claude Monet, a texture focused piece created in 1899, was their final decision for the mural.

After circling around the school many times, the girls decided on a secluded spot away from the students’ daily paths which allowed them quality time without distractions or interruptions. Sodersjerna and Mortensen then began their artwork between the elevator and the bell lobby.

“We thought since the wall was so textured, that if we did a picture that was also textured, that it would camouflage it,” Sodersjerna said.

Not only did they think the picture would be perfect for the wall because of the texture, but they also thought that it was peaceful and relaxing for students to look at. They both agreed that a school without art around the building would be boring and bland, but with art it’s more enjoyable to look at and brings character to the overall school environment.

As a community service project for their capstone, they decided a mural was the way to go. The piece brought a touch of history into WA due to the lack of art history being taught at the school.

“There aren’t any art history classes in our school. I think that they have the textbooks to teach it but it’s never really happened,” Sodersjerna said.

They thought that if they made an eye-catching and unique mural that it would get more students interested in art history.

“This is for community service, but it seems more like a project than community service,” they explained.

Be sure to check out our podcast featuring these two artists and our article on the other murals in the upcoming print issue!