With help and support from the PS 246’s maintenance staff, faculty, and former and current students, Annie Coan, an art teacher at the school, has mothered an artistic atmosphere that breathes on the school’s walls.

“Although budget cuts have decimated every aspect of our educational system, at least we still have an art program at PS 246,” Coan says. “Principal Pascal Miller and our assistant principals have worked so hard to keep the arts alive in our school because the arts keep kids in school!”

Coan was approached with the idea of creating a mural in front of the school by its “beloved” principal, Beverly Pascal Miller. Coan worked on selecting education-based quotes. Soon after, Pascal Miller chose George Washington Carver’s “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom” to adorn the building.

Coan decided to unite Carver’s quote with President Theodore Roosevelt’s four freedoms (freedom of expression, freedom to worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear), along with several inspirational sayings such as “be who you want to be,” all of which are painted in diverse colors of red, blue, yellow, and orange. Building manager, Eddie Cintron also assisted.

Social mobility comes through hard work and education,” Coan says. “I imagine most of the immigrant population of the Bronx hopes and prays this remains true.”

Because this Carver/Roosevelt mural project is not the first of its kind, Coan is hopeful for more murals at PS 246, also known as the Poe Cottage School. Recently, 5th graders added to the collection, completing an indoor mural of a Bat-fish aquarium.

“Whether it’s art or technology, teaching with visuals is another way of engaging students in learning,” Pascal Miller says.