CHS art instructor Karol Ann Michelsen and her Art 3 and Art 4 students have made plans to rehabilitate and repurpose a longneglected courtyard (shown in photo below) at the high school and to create, instead, what will be named the Catwalk Courtyard. They are hoping that the public will donate “gentlyused” materials that can be incorporated into the new outdoor space.

The courtyard is located outside of the high school library, which earlier this year got a makeover that included a small café, called the Java Cat, for staff and students. The new, beautified courtyard will eventually provide an outdoor extension of that, Michelsen explained, offering another gathering place that can accommodate a variety of meetings, events, and ceremonies.

The Legacy Sculpture Garden will feature ceramic pieces created by senior or graduated art students. The rest of the area will incorporate a mix of native and drought-tolerant plants, with what Michelsen hopes will be public donations of gently-used patio furniture, chairs and tables, solar lights, and ceramic garden pots.

Michelsen envisions things like wooden cable spools, umbrella stands, and wooden pallets—“Anything that can be repainted and upcycled,” she said, “like old gates, wheelbarrows, trellises, and arches.”

She hopes to have a fountain feature in the center of the courtyard, as well.

The rehab project will begin soon, with Michelsen and her students working a couple of days each week throughout the summer. Anyone who has items they think might be useful to the project is asked to call Michelsen at 806.323.3273.

In order to avoid an overwhelming amount of donations that they are unable to use, Michelsen said, she will come evaluate the materials offered to make sure they meet general safety guidelines and will contribute to the project’s vision.

The Catwalk Courtyard project has al ready received a $1,000 grant from the Canadian Education Foundation to help cover costs of paint and other materials.