When Tanisha Sanders, Ph.D., was looking for ways to brighten the lobby of the Charles County Department of Social Services building, she knew where to look for artists.
Sanders, director of the department, had seen a bright mural featured at another social services office, and knew the idea would translate well to the La Plata office. “I wanted to add a more child-friendly space in our lobby,” she said.
She wanted works that would help create an environment that feels safe, welcoming, calming and joyful for children. And what artists would be better to follow that brief than those who thrive in safe, welcoming, calming and joyful environments? Sanders reached out to Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., to ask for submissions of student artwork.
When Zyan White, then a fifth grader at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School, talked to his mom, Shanita White, after school on a Friday, she told him she had a project for him if he was interested. “I heard about the [mural] opportunity and when I see things he can get involved with, I take advantage of it,” White said.
Clarissa Roper, Mitchell’s art teacher, said Zyan bring thoughtfulness and intentionality to art projects. “He has shown a genuine passion for creating art, both at school and at home,” Roper said. “His enthusiasm, creativity and dedication to artistic expression made him an excellent candidate for this opportunity.”
Zyan has always been a kid who liked to draw, and who was drawn to color. He and White brainstormed about the artwork for a little bit, thinking about places children like to be and have fun. “We talked about what he could create and bounced around some ideas,” White said. “That’s where the playground came from and he thought he could bring out his vision.”
Zyan gathered his supplies and got to work. “I used crayons, markers and colored pencils,” he said, adding that he sketched out the design before adding the color. He worked on it over the weekend and turned it into Roper when he got to school Monday.
Roper thought his completed project was playful, vibrant and full of positive energy — traits that describe the artist. “Through his artwork, he conveyed a meaningful message that everyone is welcome and valued, regardless of their race or disability,” she said. “The piece reflected both his creativity and his understanding of acceptance, making it a powerful and engaging work of art.”
Once the submissions were collected, Sanders and staff members of DSS voted on the project they would most like to see translated to the lobby walls. Zyan’s won. “I was super excited,” White said, adding that the night the family found out, Zyan was treated to a celebratory dinner out.
The artwork — transferred to a material akin to that used to wrap vehicles —was recently installed in a small alcove in the DSS lobby along with a colorful rug, child-size furniture, bookshelves and games. Two more panels were added using Zyan’s design as inspiration to complete the mural.
Zyan said he will continue drawing – he likes drawing more than painting – but is attending PISOTA because he is interested in acting. He enjoys playing video games and soccer.
Interested in more art?
The artwork of CCPS students will be on display during the Charles County Fair Sept. 17 through 20 in the Charles County Public Schools building. The fairgrounds are at 8440 Fairgrounds Road in La Plata.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).