Like a good neighbour, students and faculty in the Design and Visual Arts program at Cambrian College have transformed the foyer of Lasalle Secondary School next door with a colourful mural that was unveiled May 19.
Monarch butterflies, with their vibrant shades of orange and black, proved to be the ideal visual element, said a press release.
As the butterflies break through glass and become larger, they tell a powerful story of growth, resilience and potential. The butterflies are not static or linear; they are in full flight, continuous change captured in the movement and the momentum.
“The monarch butterfly is a perfect symbol for our school and our students,” said Lasalle Secondary School principal Kristina Rivard Gobbo. “The butterfly’s metamorphosis is a powerful representation of transformation. As students progress on their journey towards graduation, they spread their wings, soar to higher heights, and evolve into their fullest self.
“Orange and black are Lasalle’s colours and that alone speaks of school spirit.”
The smaller butterflies on the left of the mural represent Grade 7 and 8 students. At this stage, they are still finding their voice in their new secondary school environment.
With perseverance over time, students move beyond their comfort zones and gain more competence and confidence. The glass radiating outwards represents breakthroughs in personal growth.
The butterflies become more prominent and more defined as they grow in scale and number. The larger butterflies on the right represent Grade 12 students ready to migrate to their next destination – college, university, apprenticeship, work or independent living.
“This mural is a wonderful legacy to the school and the community, reflecting the power of partnerships and public art,” said David Farrow, chair of the Rainbow District School Board. “This mural adds to the overall aesthetic of the school, invites us to remain curious and use our imaginations to see things in new ways, creates a warmer and even more welcoming space, promotes school and community pride, and serves as a source of inspiration for students each and every day.”
