Bethune Elementary School located in Hollywood, Florida received a facelift through an initiative from Turn Around Arts. The feedback from the school was very positive. The staff and the students were so excited about the murals and very inspired about the beautification to the school and celebrating the Arts.

Turnaround Arts is a national program by the President’s Committee, in coordination with the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, and several foundations, to bring arts education programming and resources to high-poverty elementary and middle schools across the country. It is based on the premise that high-quality and integrated arts education can strengthen school reform efforts, boost academic achievement, and increase student engagement in schools facing some of the toughest educational challenges in the country.

The goal for this project was to bring the performing arts to life. Bethune Elementary is a Magnet Arts Elementary School. As part of the culture of the school, the mural reflects all modalities including; drama, dance, music, visual arts and orchestra.   

I was so happy to be awarded the contract to paint two murals and create the vibrant designs for the school. The students and the art teacher dedicated one hour each day to work with me, sketching, painting and learning about the creative process. Working with the kids has been very rewarding, by having them participate, they now have a sense of ownership and appreciate the value of the artwork.

Moving forward we hope to bring this creative spirit to more schools throughout Broward County introducing public art to this vibrant thriving community.