Colt Elementary art teacher paints memorial mural for Cooper DeSpain
Cooper DeSpain's art teacher at Colt Elementary painted this mural in his memory.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
Since Cooper DeSpain, 9, died in an ATV accident in August, his family, friends and the community have experienced more emotions than can be counted. People searched for a way to remember Cooper, a boy who loved spending time outdoors.
Art teacher Kathy Meador thought of a way to remember Cooper, her student since he was a kindergartner at Colt Elementary.
She did what artists do: She picked up her paintbrush and palette. Now there is a bright, vibrant mural, right above the water fountains where students frequently stop for a sip of water between classes.
Cooper’s mother, Trenton DeSpain, said it’s meaningful for kids to look up and see the artwork. “I didn’t know anything about it,” she said. “Principal Keith Powell is a friend, and he told me, ‘You’re going to love what we’re doing for Cooper,’ but he wouldn’t tell me what it was, he just smiled.”
The butterfly and wildflowers, set against a cheerful backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, catch the eye of anyone strolling by. Meador did not sign her work. But in the lower right corner, small block letters read: “In Memory of Cooper DeSpain.”
“When kids come by the mural, they remember him,” Meador said. “It’s been hard on our students, especially his cousins.”
When Trenton saw the mural for the first time Sept. 30, she brought family with her. “This life of grief is still a mystery and I never know how I’m going to respond to things, so I had lots of backup,” she said.
Seeing the mural was emotional for Trenton and her family. “It’s amazing,” she said. “It was so beautiful. I was overwhelmed with the love and kindness I could see in it. It’s pretty special.”
Meador knew she wanted to paint a butterfly.
For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.
