When St. John the Beloved Principal Richard Hart decided his Milltown school's library needed a makeover to restore its beauty, he turned to local Pike Creek artist Matt Terranova to paint a story book character mural.
A graduate of St. Thomas’ elementary and St. Elizabeth’s high school, Terranova has painted murals at both alma maters, the outside of Sheila’s Party World and some residential homes. At 25, he has his own company painting scenes for homes and businesses and also does portraits, illustrations and graphic design.
Hart, who previously worked at St. Thomas with Terranova’s mother, said he had been pleased with the work Terranova did at that school.
“The decision was made for two reasons, to liven up the library and generate the importance in books,” Hart said.
| Painted on the wall San Damiano Dr. Seuss characters Fish tank from “Finding Nemo” “The Little Mermaid” 20,000 Leagues under the sea |
The St. John library project began in November 2009 and is expected to be completed by February.
“When I’m at people’s houses I work by myself, so it’s fun to have an audience,” said Terranova, who has been painting freehand on the wall. “I like the school environment. It’s fun having the kids see the whole process. They’re really interested. I hope I’m inspiring some of them to be an artist.”
The mural will wrap around the library walls. Terranova already completed a rendering of the San Damiano over one of the library exit doors.
“At John the Beloved School, we call Matt our Artist in Residence,” Hart said. “It has been a new experience for our students to follow his progress every day.”
