Artist has a bird's-eye view of BC stadium

Local artist and BCHS graduate, Andrew Moore, stands in front of the cardinal mascot sign he repainted in time for the Homecoming game. This cardinal faces Larry Ward Stadium at BCHS and has a more traditional look.

RECORD PHOTO: David Ball

David Ball - For The Record

One prominent Bridge City resident recently received a makeover.

The huge cardinal sign facing Larry Ward Stadium at Bridge City High School was recently repainted by local artist, Andrew Moore. He said it's the largest painting he has ever tackled and it was unveiled just in time for the Homecoming game on October 16.

By the way, BC won the game over Little Cypress-Mauriceville 62-35.

The prior cardinal resembled Louisville University's mascot while this cardinal has a more traditional look.

He and his wife, Amy, are alumni of BCHS. Their children also attend BCISD schools.

"First I had to sand it down because it was flaking and then apply a primer coat," he said. "I started Friday (October 9) and finished Wednesday (October 14). I've never done anything this big."

Moore said his brother Chris, works for the school district. Chris told Cecelia Dixon, secretary to the athletic director, that his brother could paint and Dixon contacted Moore.

Growing up, Moore did drawings and took art classes in high school, but not much in the way of painting. He got the hang of a paintbrush, however, when he learned to use Photoshop on the computer.

"I just started playing with it. I started making invitations and design things for businesses," Moore said. "I've got a tablet for drawing and I designed the (cardinal) sign with that. I lined it up and it's centered."

Moore used acrylic and latex paints and applied two coats of red and black. He also sealed up the sign to make it last.

Mike King, BCISD superintendent, said it was time to dress up the old sign.

"It was old paint. We needed to fix it up," he said. "Andy did an outstanding job. It gives us all a sense of cardinal pride."