By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

EDGARD – Today, the students at West St. John High School will unveil a colorful new addition to one of the school’s main hallways.

Since before Thanksgiving, the students have been working on a huge mural called “All That Jazz and more…”

The project was spearheaded by Edgard native and professional artist Jamar Pierre, who said he sees the value in art as another outlet and pathway for the children of the community.

“Art saved my life,” he said. “I’m trying to pass down to them what other people passed on to me.”

The majority of the mural was done by a core group of visually talented art students, including LaTerence Mitchell Jr., Devonta Morris, Marcell Morris and Quad Howard. Pierre said he and other art students did the rest of the work.

The subject of the mural is American music down through the ages. It starts with the music of the Native Americans, continues through blues and jazz and ends with the modern era.

“They’re learning about stuff they wouldn’t learn any other way,” said Pierre, who added the mural has sparked assignments in other classes such as reports on the subjects of the painting.

Pierre also took the opportunity to teach the students about a pair of locals who made a name for themselves in the arts. The mural features portraits of Vacherie native Fats Domino and Edgard native Dave Bartholomew.

The project was funded in part through grants from the Houma Regional Arts Council.

The mural will be unveiled this morning at 9 a.m. in a ceremony that will include a documentary account of the making of the mural, student testimonies and reflections by Pierre.

But long after the ceremony is over and even long after the paint begins to lose its sheen, Pierre hopes the process continues to make an impact.

“I believe that through art you can build kids’ confidence,” said Pierre.

For at least one of the students involved, it already has.

Said Howard, “After this, I plan on doing a lot of paintings. I would love to be a professional artist.”