Ron Manning is a fairly upbeat person, who already arrives every day with a spring in his step to do his job as principal at Kingswood elementary.
So when he says the spectacular new, 68-feet by 12-feet local wildlife mural fronting his school inspires him when he drives in, one wonders if his staff have a daily job peeling him off the ceiling.
Manning, his staff and students officially unveiled last Friday the stunning depiction of life on the west dyke for a bald eagle, which was chosen last year as the new mascot for the school close to Williams and No. 5 roads.
Resplendent with Canada and snow geese, blue herons, coyotes and even an airplane taking off from YVR, the mural was the fruit of a three-week labour of love and a year’s worth of planning by Maple Ridge artist Jason Craft.
“I love coming to this place every day and, looking at this mural every day I drive in makes me love it even more,” grinned Manning.
“As soon as I turn into the school, all my thoughts from home leave me. It’s a great way to start the day.
“I wanted to make a statement (with the new mascot) and make it so the kids are proud of their school. Changing the mascot is sometimes tricky, especially for the older kids, who were used to being the Cougars, so I really wanted all the kids to buy in.”
Before designing the mural, Craft was told that the school wanted an animal that was indigenous to Richmond.
“Last December, I went out onto the west dyke with about 15 kids,” he said.
“We observed all the different animals out there, coyotes, snow geese and, of course, eagles. We took notes of what we saw.
“I worked with the students’ mural committee and then came up with a couple of different designs, with lots of input from the students.”
Craft was also responsible for some of the incredible eagle-themed artwork that now adorns the school’s gym hall.
The News reported in the spring how Kingswood alumni Atheana Picha designed the school’s new logo, complete with an Aboriginal, Coast Salish theme.
