Wood River, IL – East Alton-Wood River High School has unveiled a newly completed mural in the Student Center as part of a larger renovation effort set to be revealed to students when they return on August 13, 2025.
The mural, painted by EAWR art teacher Mr. James, highlights the themes of Empowerment, Family, Inclusiveness, and Success—core values that define the school’s culture. The colorful and dynamic artwork features scenes depicting student life and school spirit, serving as a visual centerpiece for the space.
Innovative technology played a key role in the mural’s creation. Mr. James used an Oculus virtual reality headset to project the design onto the wall, allowing for greater precision during the sketching and painting process. This method provided a unique blend of artistic vision and digital tools.
Although the full remodel of the Student Center is still in progress, the completed mural marks a major milestone. All of the work has been carried out by EAWR’s custodial staff, who have repurposed and remodeled the space at a fraction of the cost of a commercial renovation.
A series of photos documenting the project includes behind-the-scenes images of Mr. James at work, including a view from inside the Oculus headset during the mural layout phase.
The school looks forward to welcoming students back to a refreshed environment that reflects pride in the EAWR community. The completed Student Center will be fully unveiled later this fall.
