CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Art students from across Kanawha County are creating murals of their favorite images of the Capital City as part of the “What I Like About Charleston” project.

“Arts programs like this encourage students to think creatively and adopt fresh approaches,” said state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine. “Art fosters creative thinking and helps bridge language and other barriers among diverse cultures in a 21^st century global society.”

Students are painting their murals on canvas cloths that will be displayed during FestivALL June 26-29 and during Downtown ArtWalks in April and May. The 21^st Century Learning project is a joint effort of the West Virginia Department of Education, Kanawha County Schools, the Charleston Area Alliance and Home Depot.

Other schools participating in the project include Anne Bailey Elementary, Alban Elementary, George C. Weimer Elementary School, Dunbar Middle School, Kenna Elementary, Nitro High School, Sissonville Middle School, Sissonville High School and Weberwood Elementary.

For more information, contact Julia Lee, fine arts coordinator for the state Department of Education, at (304) 558-5325 or jrlee@access.k12.wv.us or contact the Office of Communications at (304) 558-2699.

You can view students at Weimer Elementary working on their mural as well as the mural created by Sissonville High School students in this picture gallery of the events.