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High School Students Take Part In Getting The Oval Ready For Summer Season

By Jan Carabeo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Today kicks off five weeks of free movies, live music and good food and drinks at The Oval.

It's the fourth year for the summertime oasis, but this year features new attractions.

There's an orchestra pit where you can play the piano or the drums. There is a splash area where you can cool off on hot summer days. There's even ping pong.

But don't forget to look down. There is a masterpiece under foot that was brought to life by Philadelphia students.

The task was daunting. Create a piece of art on 25,000 square feet of concrete.

"It's kind of like giving a haircut to the mural."

The process was meticulous at times. On the ground, the focus was often slow, steady strokes, but from the air, the Philadelphia Mural Arts project really comes to life.

A beautiful mix of color and shape, it's the perfect backdrop for summer.

Brad Carney, lead designer and artist, says, "It looks exactly like the doodle I made."

Carney designed the mural. It's called "Rhythm and Hues." It is a nod to his love of art and music.

"So I fused those two together to make a fun, bright, colorful, playful space here at The Oval. Friday we primed, Saturday we stroked lines and filled in the base color. And then starting Monday, they painted the whole blue area. Yesterday they painted in all the shapes and doodles that I have around the mural."

It took a week and a team of 50 to get the job done, including more than a dozen Philadelphia students.

Ailisha Goodwin-Danty, a junior, says, "We used these huge rollers. I wanted to go fast, but you can't rush it. You work smarter, not harder."

Ailisha is a pro. She has worked on murals throughout Philly since 5th grade.

"I like to get my hands dirty."

Tyler Sheppard adds, "I actually did most of the blue back there."

Others, like Tyler, used the project to fill a void.

He just graduated from a math and science high school and needs art in his life.

"It's a passion of mine. It's fun to me."

And while Philadelphians will enjoy the games, food and fun on top, these kids will look down and make sure others do too.

Jada Gibson, CAPA graduate, says, "My parents will drive by and I'll be like 'oh I did that part, I did that part.'"

"It's going to be unreal, amazing, an accomplishment when I'm done," says Tyler.

Those students now move on to smaller murals across the city. If you would like to get involved, visit MuralArts.org.

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