Maie Ellis students help design new mural

Chloe Shaver

Village News Intern

Mae Ellis Elementary School is introducing a new mural, painted on the side of the library. The mural, inspired by the students of the school, showcases the school's diversity and incorporates many Fallbrook landmarks. The mural will be presented at the school's Back to School Night for parents, but was finished before the first day of school for students, teachers, and staff to enjoy.

The mural began with students drawing and creating their own designs and ideas for the artwork. Students depicted rainbows, butterflies, a tree in the shape of a heart, and the Earth. Muralist Gloria Favela Rocha said she incorporated these elements to show the transition many students go through in leaving Mexico to come to America, using the butterflies to symbolize moving over the landscape for a better future.

Rocha has been working on the mural all summer. The PTA worked to bring her onto the project, allowing her to showcase the ideas that students and teachers wanted Mae Ellis to represent. The mural, painted on the library wall facing the students' playground, includes many Fallbrook landmarks: the old schoolhouse, Live Oak's famous oak tree, as well as Fallbrook's mountain backdrop of Monserate and Sleeping Indian.

Parents who are interested in seeing the mural will be able to do so on Back to School Night. The mural, inspired by student designs, showcases many aspects of Fallbrook life for children.