Painting the District

The usual sounds of children laughing and learning at Curtis Elementary are replaced with only the faint buzzing of a few fluorescent lights. Students and staff have left for Holiday break and only one person occupies the building. Balancing on a stepladder with paintbrush in hand is WISD maintenance worker, Ric Montgomery, doing what he does best…creating art. His canvas today is a blank wall in the front office that in a matter of hours will feature an enormous Roo logo.

On paper, Ric is one of the painters for the district. But according to Weatherford ISD Executive Director of Maintenance and Facilities, Jerry Blizzard, he is much more than that.

“When I first met Ric he said I’m a painter, but really I’m an artist.” Blizzard said about meeting Ric for the first time. “As Ric began to describe his work history I quickly realized his passion and talents.”

Ric has earned the nickname “Ric-el-angelo” by his colleagues for his ability to paint murals at various WISD ISD facilities. Each mural brings a different challenge to Ric…but that’s the beauty of his job.

“I have a talent to be able to see a vision in my head and to be able to see it in color. Then, I’m given the freedom to create it and bring it into manifestation…it’s a challenge but I like it.” Montgomery said.

It turns out a lot of people like Ric’s work. Before being hired full-time by WISD six years ago he created several murals and signs around Weatherford. His creative works have also been featured at Six Flags Over Texas and utilized by the Dallas Cowboys.

“A friend of mine, who is also a painter, had two tremendous-sized stars made of metal. So, we each painted one to make it look like the Dallas Cowboys’ star. Now, the team rolls them out at each home game for a fireworks display.”

As rewarding as it is to see his work utilized by America’s Team…his true joy is creating a sense of pride for our community. That pride has an effect on everyone.

“It seems to produce a positive attitude. We have discovered here in the maintenance department that whenever there is a positive attitude going on at the campuses there is less graffiti and other destructive behavior.” Montgomery said. “It’s something that’s artistic that they can see each day and feel like its part of theirs because it’s in their campus. If that makes them feel more positive and good about themselves and their school then that’s great to me.”

So, next time you enter a WISD campus or catch a Roos athletic event keep an eye open for Ric’s work. After all…he painted it for you.

Published January 25, 2017 Print