Baltimore-based and/or -trained artists have had a hand in lifting spirits in Liberia, NPR reports.
A 2011 Maryland Institute College of Art grad, David Cogdill, known as "Nanook," traveled to the African nation to work on a large mural to adorn the Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi Elementary and Junior High School in the township of West Point.
That school served as a holding center during the Ebola crisis and was badly damaged by rioters. The reopening last week coincided with declarations that Liberia is Ebola-free.
Nanook, who lives in Chattanooga (according to his website), designed a vivid mural that covers the front of the building and includes images of a hippo and giant butterfly. Local artists helped him with the painting.
The wall outside the school was also brightly decorated. The dynamic design for that portion of the project came from Baltimore-based artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn, whose work has been seen throughout the city.