Artist:  Mary Rae Lovold

Location:  Cafeteria southwest wall

Size:  135"W x 75"H

About this mural:

There were three Educators that had a profound impact on me, and shaped my world, career, and journey in life; Choir - Tim Bjella, Art - Art Johnson, and Librarian - Larry Longmore.  I would be found in one of those three places.

Growing up on the North Shore of Lake Superior influenced all areas of my life, especially my art.  As a recipient of the Art Scholarship for 1977, I was asked me to draw up a sketch for an available space in the cafeteria of William Kelley High School.  I was so excited to have been granted the wall space next to my cousin Patty.

Mr. Johnson was the type of Educator that allowed students to shape ideas and move forward independently. When he gave input, it was with kindness, questioning, and curiosity. He  talked to me about painting a mural, and I knew Split Rock Lighthouse would be the focal point.  I would see it flash, in my bedroom at night, before it was retired in 1969.  The light, a guide through the nighttime for ships and sailors is a metaphor for Educators in the life of students. Living on the shore of Lake Superior iron ore boats are always present, being one of the merchant ships of the Great Lakes.  With the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, the loss was deep for residents of Silver Bay. I wanted all to remember this part of our history.  Lutsen Mountains was also a place of solace for me and many in the area.  Winter sports and activities are a large part of the cultural experience in the Northland.  The cold snowy winters in Minnesota is part of the DNA of Northern Minnesota’s residents. Reserve Mining was the main employer of many families in Silver Bay, and the surrounding area, is part of the history of William Kelley High School, and the area.  In the 1970s, Silver Bay was growing with Reserve Mining as the catalyst.  The backhoe, whether digging and moving taconite pellets at Reserve, or rocks on the breakwall at my home, this iconic piece of machinery was part of my everyday world.  All of the above is part of what makes us Silver Bay Mariners.  We are a hardy breed of people, able to withstand hardships, explore, move ahead, and see the beauty of the world around us.

I am a mother, Nana, and Educator, with a BAS in English Secondary Education, and an MAM, both from The College of St. Scholastica . I am an Artist, Musician, bibliophile, and life-long learner.  The Educators in my life, through their support and encouragement, helped shape me into the person I am today. I am eternally grateful for their guidance.  Mary Lovold - September, 2018

Additional information:  If you can provide additional information about this mural, please email us at murals@wksalumni.com.

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