Folks in Warren County are celebrating the 175th Anniversary this year and the celebration is making its way through the school system too and in an artsy way.

Forth grade art classes are painting murals commemorating county history. It's not just one but five elementary schools getting involved in this art project, and they are learning not just about painting but also about their hometown's history.

“I really like arts and crafts,” say Izzy France and Katy Breeden.

Izzy, Katy and 14 other 4th graders at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School are getting their hands dirty for a good cause. As part of Warren County's 175th Anniversary celebration, five 4th grade art classes around the county are painting canvases that in just a few days will look like this.

“I was thrilled, so thrilled, i did not know what to say,” says Sharon Bitter.

Kelly Walker and Kym Crump have been working on this concept since January. They both wanted this project to be not just about painting but an opportunity for these kids to learn about their hometown.

“Art can teach many other subjects and sometimes I think we look at art as the extra but really I think it helps some kids learn many other sciences or history along the way through art,” Walker says.

“The kids not only are they learning about art, they're also learning about history, we've tied it to the history SOLs for the 4th graders so they're learning about history and geography while they're doing this as well,” adds Crump.

The mural is basically a historical map of the county, showcasing landmarks like the Courthouse, Shenandoah National Park and Front Royal's gazebo. It also highlights important industries that shaped the area like transportation and farming.

“This is probably the best thing I have ever done in my life. It was really fun,” say Izzy France and Katy Breeden.

Once the murals are all done, they will take tours throughout the county, making appearances at board meetings, the Community Center and Warren County day this summer.