Maspeth high school doors get new look thanks to 20-year-old artist

The entrance to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Maspeth now features a large, colorful mural. The artwork covers the school doors and depicts a bookcase filled with items representing the institution's curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Lizzi Gallagher, 20, designed and painted the piece. She graduated from the academy in 2019. Currently a senior at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, she is studying fine arts with a focus on design.

Gallagher said she wanted to honor her time at the school. "I believe it’s important to give back to one’s alma mater because it’s always important to remember where you came from, as it shapes who you become in the future," she said in a press release.

Principal Cathy Mangone selected Gallagher for the project because of her personal connection to the student body. Mangone noted that Gallagher's familiarity with the community allowed her to include specific, meaningful elements. "Having an artist with a genuine connection to our academy create the doors makes the finished work even more special," Mangone said.

Gallagher attended the school as a student where she designed sets for the performing arts group. The mural references that group as well as the Aquinas club and the sports association. She credited art classes at the academy with turning her interest in art into a career pursuit.

Mangone said the new entrance serves to welcome visitors while reinforcing the school's identity. "We believe she created an entrance that welcomes everyone while also reminding us of who we are, where we come from, and the faith and values that guide our academy," Mangone said.