Principal Rolls Up Sleeves to Paint Chiefs' Mascot

Caldwell-West Caldwell residents knew  Principal Kevin Barnes could dance. Now they know he can paint, too.

Barnes, who was crowned the best male dancer in the first annual  fundraiser earlier this year, rolled up his sleeves over the summer to paint a Caldwell Chiefs' mascot in the high school gymnasium.

The approximately 20’ by 20’ logo was the finishing touch on which included new electronic bleachers, refinished floors and freshly painted walls.

“I did it because I wanted the gymnasium to be identified with the Caldwell Chiefs, and this seemed one way to do so,” said Barnes, who has served the district for 18 years. This is his tenth year as principal at the high school.

To create the design, Barnes projected the logo on the gym wall using an LCD projector and an image on his computer. He then traced the image on the wall with markers.

“I was careful around the boundaries with a paint brush and blue paint,” he said. “I then filled in the image with Caldwell blue paint.”

Barnes said he worked “after hours” and it took him between 20 and 25 hours to complete the logo over six or seven days, crunching over Labor Day weekend to finish before the first day of school.

Where do his painting skills come from? Mostly home improvements, said the Woodbridge resident.

“I’m not an artist, although I have painted—bathrooms, living rooms, etc.”