Rebecca Yackel, who teaches the mural painting elective as well as studio art and art concepts classes at the high school, was recently given the amazing opportunity to be a part of the team that painted the Manhattan street mural “As Above, So Below,” presented by Hudson Square Business Improvement District as a part of Hudson Square Canvas. This professional development opportunity will serve to enrich Yackel’s classroom practice and support meaningful mural projects that contribute positively to the Deer Park community.

“Throughout the process, I gained firsthand experience with wall preparation, scaling techniques and managing a multi-day installation in a community setting,” Yackel said. “I am excited to bring this knowledge back to my mural painting class in Deer Park. The experience has equipped me with new strategies for guiding students through the full mural-making process, from developing concepts that reflect community identity to executing work responsibly and professionally in public spaces. I plan to integrate these techniques into our curriculum, helping students understand both the artistic and community-building impact of public art.”