“ We did this painting because we believe in the community and we want people to be proud of where we come from,” said Allen, who has been teaching at the high school for 8 years. “Hopefully, this mural can show that small acts of positivity can make change. This is our love note to the community.”
The mural is located on 118 S. Broadway in Trotwood and once housed baseball diamonds. However, since the fields went vacant at least 20 years ago, shrubbery took over. Five years ago, according to Public Works Operations Manager Dalton Hines, the city turned the land into a community garden and Hines approached the high school to turn the old concession stand building into art.
“That building used to be so plain,” Hines said. “They did an outstanding job.”
Though these art works are for the benefit of the public, the process of creation has had strong effects on those involved in the painting.
Demetrious Lucas, 17, is a senior at Trotwood-Madison high school who spent a big part of his summer working on the mural and feels his hard work has helped him realize the importance of community.
“I’ve been trying to leave my mark on Trotwood for a while,” Lucas said. “I think I’ve done it now.”
High school junior Miranda Coffee, 16, shared similar feelings saying, “It does make me feel really good. I can show, through this, that art is still alive in Trotwood.”
The city plans to increase its artwork in public places within the next five years with the help of students and local artists. According to Hines, future plans include adding a large painting in John Wolfe Park, and installing sculptures at other sites in the city.
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