2025 Arts Education Program Mural
Location: Mrachek Middle School, Aurora, CO
Mrachek Middle School 6th-grade students and their families partnered with Street Wise Arts and artist Alex Bugg (@alexbugg) to design and paint a large indoor mural on campus. The mural reflected the district-wide Aurora Public Schools theme of “Connection and Belonging.”
Sixth graders were specifically chosen for this project because they will be able to enjoy and take pride in the mural for the entirety of their middle school years. Sixth grade is also a critical transition point when students begin adjusting to middle school and when family engagement typically wanes. This mural project was designed to counter that trend by actively involving families, fostering stronger connections, and encouraging ongoing engagement with the school.
The goal was to build a sense of community and belonging among both students and families, while leaving behind a lasting legacy for future generations. This project supported student social-emotional learning (SEL) by strengthening their engagement, creativity, and collaborative skills—while reinforcing the vital connection between home and school.