This spring, walls across Monterey County blossomed with vibrant color and student creativity, thanks to the incredible work of our Arts4MC Teaching Artists and the young artists they inspired. At four local schools—each with its own unique voice and vision—students rolled up their sleeves and dove into the mural-making process, transforming their campuses and their sense of ownership in the arts.

Del Rey Woods Elementary School
Teaching Artist: Megan Goodwin
Saturday school students gathered on weekends to turn blank walls into joyful celebrations of community. Megan led them through design selection, mural technique, and hands-on painting, infusing the space with their shared imagination.

New Republic Elementary School
Teaching Artists: Megan Goodwin & Carlos Villagomez
Fourth and fifth graders embraced bold colors and new ideas as Megan and Carlos guided them in creating a mural that now proudly reflects the spirit of their school.

Echo Valley Elementary School
Teaching Artist: Paul Richmond
With Paul’s guidance, sixth graders explored storytelling through large-scale art. The result: a powerful visual narrative students can point to and say, “We made that.”

Central Coast High School
Teaching Artist: Brenda Saglio
High schoolers teamed up with Brenda to design and create a mural that speaks to their experiences and aspirations, leaving their literal and figurative mark on campus.

One of the most touching moments this season came in the form of a small, lovingly decorated package from Bradley Elementary School. Earlier in the year, Brenda had worked with students there to create a mural at the start of the school year. Months later, those same students surprised us with a bundle of hand-drawn thank-you cards—each one bursting with color, kind words, and heartfelt appreciation. They reminded us that these projects reach far beyond paint and walls—they leave lasting impressions in hearts and memories, too.

More Than a Mural

Most mural projects begin with our Teaching Artists submitting 2–3 proposed designs, giving school communities the opportunity to select the image that best reflects their identity. Once a design is chosen, the real magic begins. Artists enter the classroom—not just to paint, but to teach. Students learn about mural-making, from artistic technique to teamwork. They help prime the wall, mix paint, and bring the vision to life. They walk away knowing, “I did that.” It’s empowerment through creativity, and it stays with them.

Want to Bring a Mural or Arts Program to Your School?

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in a mural or any other creative programming, reach out to ReNae at renae(at)arts4mc.org to start the conversation. Let’s keep Monterey County’s walls full of art—and our hearts full of stories.