MASSENA - Approximately a dozen art students from St. Lawrence Central High School resurrected an old tradition Friday by painting Christmas murals on windows of the McDonald’s near the St. Lawrence Centre mall.

Art teacher Tim Brown, who led the field trip, said this was a tradition for about eight years running, but had been dropped for the last four or five years. Thanks to an art student who worked at the McDonald’s near the mall, and was able to work out a deal with the employer, the field trip was brought back, Mr. Brown said.

“It’s just a fun day for the kids,” Mr. Brown said. “They get to see how people react to their work, even if they are only cartoon images. Sometimes in a school setting they don’t to see how people react.”

From 8:30 a.m. to about 1:45 p.m., the students painted images of Santa Claus, reindeer, candy canes and snowmen along the windows facing state Highway 37. Mr. Brown commended the McDonald’s franchise ownership for their generosity, saying the restaurant provided breakfast and lunch for the students.

St Lawrence Central senior Emily E. Hastings said that although it was unusual to paint in front of a window all day, where they caught questioning stares from diners and passing-by motorists, she enjoyed the opportunity to create images for the benefit of the community.

“I like seeing how people react to it,” Ms. Hastings said. “Other people don’t really see our art (in school).”

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