BRENHAM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COMPLETES BASKETBALL-THEMED MURAL

  

The artwork of an incoming senior at Brenham High School is now on display inside the high school locker rooms.

Shortly before the end of the school year, Carnell Burns completed a mural featuring members of the Brenham Cub basketball team.  The players are pictured in front of three professional basketball legends: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Burns says he began sketching out the mural near the beginning of March, initially working in between class periods but dedicating more time and focus to the project as the spring semester drew to an end.  Formerly a member of the basketball team himself, he says the idea came about after a teacher’s recommendation led to coordination with head boys’ basketball coach Colby Andrews and art instructor Stephen Henry. 

Burns’ vision for his work is to elicit unique feelings and responses from viewers and have them reach their own conclusions on what the art means.

The mural is one of many projects Burns has worked on since he began pursuing a future in art during his sophomore year, from participating at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), to earning an honorable mention at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition, to selling his work for thousands of dollars at Brenham ISD’s “A Dinner to Remember”.

Burns credits his classmate and friend, Katherine Inestroza, for helping propel him to where he is now.  While Burns is not fully decided on his plans after high school, he hopes to use his knowledge and passion to be an inspiration for the next generation.  He says some projects might seem daunting, but he is up for the task.

This summer, Burns is attending an art academy that he earned the opportunity for after receiving a special merit at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Some of his goals include getting a gold medal and entering the art auction at the rodeo and making it to state for VASE.  He also would like to do other murals to leave his mark on the community.