At Lakeside School in Seattle, the counseling center is gaining a new source of light and color. Sophomore Kai C has begun work on a mural designed to reflect the atmosphere of calm and comfort that students rely on in the space, reports Smriti S in the school’s student newspaper.
The design is simple but striking: a grassy clearing framed by trees, with a warm glow shining from the background. At the center sits a small, whimsical figure, nicknamed “blob guy” by the artist, looking toward the light. The six chosen colors, ranging from soft yellow and orange to navy and near-black, are arranged in bold, block shapes with no gradients. The effect is both graphic and serene, echoing the center’s role as a place of quiet reassurance.
Kai said the location shaped every decision. A counseling center mural could not be too loud or moody but needed to complement the sense of welcome already present. Inspiration came from murals across Seattle and in cities Kai has visited, as well as from encouragement within the Lakeside community.
Teachers and classmates helped refine the design, prepare the space, and even apply paint.
Though the project is Kai’s first at this scale, it represents more than an artistic experiment. It is an invitation to pause and reflect — an extension of the counseling center’s mission to support students.
As the mural comes together layer by layer, Kai hopes it will inspire others to pursue new creative goals, reminding peers that art, like counseling, can be a source of strength and calm.
