Clark High School Murals: Inspiring Spaces Through Art & Education
As both an artist and educator, I believe deeply in the power of art to shape environments, spark imagination, and support the emotional lives of students.
My mural work at Clark High School reflects this philosophy—each piece designed not only to beautify the campus, but to create spaces where young people feel inspired, seen, and connected.
To Find Her Soul | Latex paint | 15ft x 16ft
"To Find Her Soul" — Library Mural
The first mural I created for Clark High School, To Find Her Soul, began as a commissioned project from the school librarian, who envisioned a meaningful artwork within one of the library’s study areas. After developing several design concepts, the selected proposal centered on the inner world that books open up for readers.
At the heart of the mural is a silhouetted head filled with the quote,
“& into the library she goes to lose her mind and find her soul.”
This phrase captures the transformative magic of reading—the way stories, knowledge, and ideas can shift our thinking and reveal deeper parts of ourselves.
Surrounding the silhouette, the background is alive with imagery that symbolizes the many things books awaken within us:
Freedom
Insight
Energy and creativity
Movement and growth
Diversity and curiosity
These motifs radiate outward, representing how reading expands one’s mind in endless directions.
A Collaborative Process
One of the most meaningful aspects of this project was the collaborative installation. I worked closely with my Advanced Painting class, guiding them through each step of the mural process—from scaling the design to precision painting and detail work. Their care, craftsmanship, and pride in the work contributed to a mural that not only enriches the library but also reflects the talent and potential of the students who helped create it.
Together, we transformed the study nook into a visual sanctuary—an inviting, reflective space where students can read, study, or simply breathe.
Art as a Catalyst for Learning
The To Find Her Soul mural stands as a celebration of literature, creativity, and the inner journeys students embark on through reading. It symbolizes the soul of the library: a place where young people discover new perspectives, challenge themselves intellectually, and nurture their own identities.
My ongoing mural work at Clark High School continues to honor this mission—bringing color, meaning, and artistic intention into everyday school life.
Open Books Open Minds | Latex paint | 15ft x 18ft each”
“Open Books Open Minds” — Clark High School Library Murals
(UTSA AIR Collaboration)
Following the success of my first library mural at Clark High School, I was invited to create a new pair of murals through a partnership with UTSA’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program, working alongside AIR artist Brianna McDonald. These murals, titled “Open Books Open Minds,” continue the exploration of how reading shapes intellect, identity, and imagination.
Libraries as Doorways to Identity, Knowledge & Dialogue
The school librarian—my “client” for this project—requested a visually engaging piece that reflected the diversity of Clark’s student body and illustrated the transformative influence of reading. In response, I designed two large companion murals featuring groups of diverse students interacting with books. Their expressions, postures, and gestures highlight the curiosity, connection, and joy that reading can spark.
The murals are set above expansive shelves of illustrated books. Several of these book spines display titles that have faced bans around the country—an intentional artistic choice that acknowledges ongoing conversations about access, representation, and the importance of diverse voices in literature.
Above each group of students, thought bubbles and symbolic imagery float upward, representing the ideas, inspiration, dreams, and perspectives that books invite into a young person’s life. These elements visualize the inner worlds that open when a reader connects deeply with a story.
Framed by bold red curtains, the overall composition resembles a grand stage—presenting reading itself as a powerful performance of learning, growth, and self-discovery.
Student Collaboration & Creative Leadership
While I designed the mural compositions, one of my students created the official line drawing from my blueprint, giving the project a meaningful student-led element. The mural was then projected and painted collaboratively by all of my art classes, transforming the library into a bustling studio filled with collective effort, problem-solving, and creative energy.
This project became a hands-on learning experience in professional mural practices. Students learned:
how to interpret and scale a design for a large wall
how to select and use appropriate brushes for different techniques
color blocking, linework, and texture application
how to maintain consistency across a multi-artist collaborative surface
how to work responsibly with a “client” and meet real project expectations
how to manage time, materials, and teamwork within a professional art process
Both the logistical and creative aspects—budgeting, ordering materials, coordinating schedules, and guiding technical instruction—were led by myself and the AIR artist.
A Celebration of Diversity & Intellectual Freedom
“Open Books Open Minds” stands as a vibrant tribute to the library’s role as a safe, dynamic haven for intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Through bold color, expressive figures, and thoughtful symbolism, the murals invite students to see themselves represented—while also encouraging them to imagine, question, and think expansively.
Together, these murals transform the library into a space where knowledge, identity, and creativity are celebrated every day.