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MANSFIELD — Students walking into Madison Comprehensive High School don’t just pass a window anymore — they stop.
What they see is a burst of Whoville color that fills the space, painted by 16-year-old junior Kaiden Koch in less than two weeks.
A lifelong love of art
Koch said he started drawing when he was just 5 years old, drawn in by fantasy worlds and creative freedom — with constant sketches of dragons and castles. Over time, that passion developed through years of practice and guidance from his many art teachers.
The mural idea surfaced two years ago, but the school struggled to find a student willing to take on the project last year. That changed this year when Assistant Principal Andrew Ditlevson recommended Koch.
Attendance Secretary Bonnie Wilson suggested the Whoville theme, and Koch immediately agreed.
“Miss Bonnie said, ‘Let’s do Whoville,’ and I said, ‘Awesome,’” Koch said.
Wilson said viewers will recognize familiar faces within the mural, including Ditlevson, Career Tech Director Jacob Grove and Principal Sean Conway, all illustrated as part of the Whoville town scene.
“He had less than two weeks,” Wilson said. “He worked through all of it and did an incredible job. Everything is his design.”
Snow days, delays and a tight schedule didn’t slow him down. Wilson said Koch often worked with less than 40 minutes a day, using every moment to perfect the mural.
Students now stop to examine the artwork, with some asking if the mural is a giant sticker.
“They can’t believe it’s painted,” Wilson said. “The fact that he did this just means the world to me.”
Wilson said she insisted the mural remain on display through the end of January in recognition of Koch’s hard work.
Years of growth and art on display
Koch also showcased a wide range of artwork, including graphite drawings, ceramics, wood carvings, sketches and charcoal pieces. He said he most enjoys working with charcoal and pastels.
Among the pieces on display was a carved wooden bear. Koch said Tim Gorka, known for carving animals for the Richland Carousel, mentored him throughout the process.
Ditlevson said Madison places a strong emphasis on the arts and values student-created work throughout the building.
“As a former art teacher, I’ve watched Kaiden grow over the years,” Ditlevson said. “Seeing this is really exciting.”
Ditlevson said the mural could become an ongoing tradition if Koch wants to continue creating, whether for spring or a future back-to-school display.
Koch’s mother, Brittany Foote, said watching her son grow as an artist has been especially meaningful.
“Seeing Kaiden grow not just in his skills, but in confidence has been special,” Foote said. “Along with gaining recognition for something he genuinely loves.
“Watching his creativity blossom into something others can see and appreciate is such a proud and emotional experience.”
Foote said Koch’s natural talent excites their family as they look ahead to his future.
‘Try and never give up’
After high school, Koch plans to pursue architecture, a career path allowing creativity to remain central.
For younger students interested in art, Koch shared simple advice.
“Try,” he said. “The biggest thing is to try and push yourself. You never want to give up.”
Koch said he often felt the urge to give up while working on his own art but learned to push through those moments.
He said art teaches life skills extending far beyond the classroom.
“Art applies to life,” Koch said. “Most of the skills you learn in art apply to everyday life. It’s really a mental thing.”
(Photos of Kaiden Koch’s artwork. Credit: Hannah Martin)
