Muralist brings new life to OLV School

Murals seem to be popping up everywhere. These paintings leave colorful messages to the passersby. The new murals at OLV School say, “This school is full of life.”

“All the action is on the other side of the building,” said Paula DeAngelis, enrollment manager for the Lackawanna elementary school. “People who drive by don’t know if we’re even open.”  

Since the activity is either in the school or safely in the parking lot, shaded from the street, DeAngelis, Principal Mary Doyle-Szlosek and Pastor/Rector Msgr. David LiPuma wanted to remind people that the school is alive and active.

Now, thanks to mural artist Nicole Cherry, the doors to the school show bright depictions of family, faith and sports (that door leads into the gym). Along the foundation of the building are flowers outlined in silver.  

“The neighbors are all coming up to her saying they love it,” said DeAngelis. “We’ve gotten a lot of nice compliments on Facebook.”

“It’s inspiring the neighbors too,” added Cherry. “They’re all cleaning up their yards.”

DeAngelis found Cherry on Instagram.  She has well over 30 murals throughout Buffalo and the suburbs including race cars on Hertel, Butterflies on Elmwood, and her award-winning General Mills piece on South Michigan Avenue.

Cherry said her inspiration comes from nature and God.

“That’s what these are all about. And the children; making it fun for the kids,” she said.

After assessing the project, Cherry spent a moment inside the basilica, then came out inspired.  

 “She gave us her ideas and other than adding Father Baker, we didn’t change anything. We loved it,” DeAngelis said, adding she wanted the kids to have a selfie moment. One door has a set of wings, so the students can photograph themselves as angels.