By Cole Manor Healthy Comet reporters | When you see public art, you might slow down and take a long look at it— and that can lower your stress levels, according to research by a scientist at the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Does that happen to you when you walk around Cole Manor school and see art on the wall?

Mrs. Kresge, Cole Manor art teacher, has decorated some of the walls. Healthy Comet reporters recently asked her some questions about the illustrations. Their conversation has been lightly edited.

Q: Will you describe a work of public art that you experienced?
Mrs. Kresge: My most memorable public artwork is drawing and painting murals at Cole Manor about 15 years ago. I painted pictures with various themes from 10 different places. I remember many students and staff members interacting with me about their experiences and feelings about art. It was before I became an art teacher, and this experience motivated me to become an art teacher.

Q: How did this experience make you feel?
Mrs. Kresge: It was a small act of service to the community, but it gave me a lot more than I did for the school. I felt very proud that my talent became a lot more when shared with other people. I loved to see students’ smiles when they enjoyed my art.

Q: Would you recommend this experience to other people? Why or why not?
Mrs. Kresge: Yes! I recommend this experience because I knew it will make you feel great to share something special you have with other people.

I think that art is a powerful tool to make people happy.

Illustration on Cole Manor wall by Mrs. Kresge.