The painters are all artists in residence, seventh and eighth graders at I.S. 259 in Bay Ridge.
They work on the mural before and in between the school day.
The joint project combines art and language classes. So, in addition to painting, the kids write poems and essays for the mural.
Students with more artistic talent drew the figures, but all kids can pitch in and paint.
"I really stink at painting and drawing. I've trained, gotten better."
It is a Herculean effort by all. The mural will influence students and teachers for generations to come.