With the school year beginning for all students in less than 24 hours, I thought it was the perfect time to share this mural on the South side of Lee Elementary School in Manhattan, Kansas. This mural was completed at the beginning of August 2023.
This mural was painted by a former student teacher Layne Stafford it is such a fun connection for him to have taught here and then to have him paint this very special mural, kind of a full circle moment. Layne is now a freelance artist with almost 20 years of painting murals and has painted a few other local murals.
This mural is so vibrant, especially as you drive past it on Anderson Ave. in Manhattan, KS. When I parked and stood in front of it, I was truly amazed at the sheer size of the mural. This mural was funded by both the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and the Deihl Community Arts Grant.
I love how and how it reflects the diversity of the students and faculty of Lee Elementary School. The muralist was able to add some of the clubs and projects that Lee Schools offers its students. I am sure this mural will be enjoyed for years to come!
To see more of Layne Stafford's work, you can follow him on his Instagram here! FYI, There is a fun time-lapse of the mural there as well.
