New mural brightens spirits at Montclaire

A California landscape depicting native plants and animals awaits children at Montclaire Elementary School in Los Altos when they return from summer vacation Aug. 20.

Los Altos artist Morgan Bricca spent five recent summer days painting the mural on the walls of the Montclaire kindergarten classrooms. The mural is part of a PTA “Campus Pride” effort led by parent Amanda Shenon.

“This is also a main wall that is visible from the front of the school,” Shenon said. “Montclaire is 50 years old, and this is the first project of its kind to occur. We are hoping it won’t be the last.”

Bricca, who has been painting murals for the past nine years, has worked primarily on private homes and businesses. She also painted a mural at Santa Rita School in Los Altos, where her children attend. She worked on the Montclaire mural for half her normal fee.

“It’s good for them, and it’s good for me, getting my work out there,” Bricca said.

Shenon said the mural was an effort to brighten the spirits of teachers, parents and children in the wake of the current economy and state budget cuts to education.

Montclaire, part of the Cupertino Union School District, is located at 1160 St. Joseph Ave., Los Altos. For more information, call 967-9388. For more on Bricca’s artwork, visit www.muralsbymorgan.com.