PHS Student Leaves 'Perfect' Mark On Meadowlawn Library Wall

Long after Perkins High School senior Abby Keller graduates this spring, a piece of her artwork will linger long into the future at Meadowlawn Intermediate School. Earlier this fall, she was commissioned to paint a mural above the book stacks in the Meadowlawn library.

The painting depicts two children reading next to a tree. Above them, the tree branches hold images of Big Ben, a person hang-gliding, outer space, and more. 

“To me, it shows the wonders of books and the imagination kids have,” Abby says. “I felt it was perfect for the library.”

Abby painted the mural as part of her PHS Academy Experience, which enables juniors and seniors to venture into the community for internships and projects that give them a taste of real-world career opportunities. The mural project at Meadowlawn was a good fit for her, Abby says.

“When I first heard about it, I was excited but a little nervous because I had never done a mural before,” Abby recalls. “When I went and met with (Meadowlawn library media specialist Kathleen Thompson), Mrs. Thompson definitely put me at ease about the whole thing and showed me what she wanted.”

Mrs. Thompson certainly is pleased with Abby’s mural, she says. It is exactly what she had in mind. 

“Abby took my vision, and she did a very good job,” Mrs. Thompson said. “She chose the color and I love it. It’s beautifully done.”

Abby has been in art classes at PHS all four years, and in love with art through her elementary and middle school years. 

“I have always loved just drawing,” Abby says. “As of recently I have been working more with mixed media, such as layering papers, using chalk, water colors, and collages.”

Abby’s PHS art teacher Donna Hensley is a fan of her work and her work ethic.

“Abby is conscientious and serious about her work,” Ms. Hensley says. “She does beautiful work. She is a good student – a serious student who doesn’t waste time. I enjoy her in class.”

Abby has another mural in the works for Perkins Schools. That painting will be in the classroom of PHS social studies teacher Tim Obergefell. Likely, Abby said, that one will involve a government theme.

Beyond high school, Abby plans to attend BGSU-Firelands for graphic design, marketing, and business. Art definitely figures into her career.

“I want to continue creating art throughout my career,” Abby says.