Crellin Elementary School students, staff, and visitors are enjoying a colorful new addition to the school as murals depicting the school’s grounds and community have been completed in the main hallway.
The murals feature a variety of elements connected to Crellin, particularly the school and its natural surroundings. Scenes include a flowing stream with fish, bees, native flowers, barnyard animals, and other details that reflect the school’s environment and the experiences of its students.
The murals were created by a 2021 Southern Garrett High School graduate, Hana (Nazelrod) Butler. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design from Frostburg State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on K-12 education through Liberty University. She is the daughter of Robyn and Jon Nazelrod; both are GCPS Teachers.
Her work has previously been featured at Southern Garrett High School, where she painted a mural representing the 2010–2019 decade. That mural will be displayed in the school’s cafeteria. She has also created numerous book illustrations, cartoons, and comics.
The Crellin Elementary murals provide students with an opportunity to see familiar aspects of their school and community represented through art, while adding color and creativity to the school environment.
“I think it looks amazing,” said Claire G., a fifth-grade student at Crellin Elementary School. “It’s so cool. She did it so well!”
The project also highlights the connection between Garrett County Public Schools alumni and the schools and communities that helped shape them, bringing their talents back to local students in meaningful ways.
