Art on the Wall at Xóots

Here is “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Xóots Elementary School Mural:

• The “Brown Bear” logo is affectionately called “Buddy” and was designed by Charlie Skultka (who also helped collaborate on the initial mural concept).
• Courtney Lecrone designed the mural and “worked through making the mural sunrise/sunset amazing!!” Courtney, who is 28, was born in Sitka and moved back a few years ago – “she is an accountant who has always done art,” and is Muskogee Creek Indian.
• The actual painting of the Xóots mural upon the wall at the school was done by Courtney, her mom (Xóots Principal Jill Lecrone), and  Xóots School Secretary Sami Schaeffer.
• The silhouettes of the kids (shown as dark figures in front of the sunrise/sunset) were picked by all three – Jill says, “We talked about how we could best represent any child in Sitka.”
• Courtney has actually started a second mural which will be interactive, offering names of local flora in both Tlingit and English. SSD’s cultural program has been working to get the proper Tlingit names.

Principal Jill adds, “The background (in mural #1) is actually a blend of Sitka’s sunrise and sunset blended together. Reminding our community, in the dark days of winter, about the beauty of Sitka. And to be a beacon of light and hope to us and our families.”