Belmont students unveil mural

DAYTON (WDTN) - Belmont High School's main hallway could almost be mistaken for an art gallery these days. Bright paintings and sculpture pieces line the walls, offering a warm welcome for students and visitors.

"We've got a lot of good stuff going on," said Carol Rogers, an art teacher at the school. "Artwork makes you feel good".
    
The most recent piece of art to be unveiled is a three part mural named the "Renaissance".

"We've had a lot of things going on in the last decade at Belmont High School, but the last couple of years have been some of the best ever," Rogers added.
    
The painting is as unique as the school itself. Belmont was once the black eye of Dayton Public Schools. It's where trouble students were sent to learn.

Over the last few years, with a lot of hard work, that image has changed and that renaissance is now forever remembered in the piece of art. "This mural represents that," said Rogers. "It's a special mural".

Local Artist James Pate is the mastermind behind the painting. He's been volunteering his time and working alongside students. Pate has mentored the kids and helped to make the mural something students and everyone who steps foot in the school can be proud of.

"The students are sold from the actual energy and seeing the activity going on around the building because it looks important, it is important and we are having a lot of fun," said Pate.

If you'd like to check out the Renaissance mural there is a public viewing Wednesday night at the school from 4 to 6 p.m.