Inspired Students Mural Initiative Expands in CVUSD

The Inspired Students Mural Initiative is continuing its mission to bring creativity and community engagement to elementary schools across Castro Valley. Following the success of previous murals, the initiative will be completing two new murals at Independent Elementary School on March 24-25 and Stanton Elementary School on March 27-28. These will mark the 4th and 5th schools in Castro Valley to participate in the program.

Launched in March 2024 with a pilot mural at Chabot Elementary School, the Inspired Students Mural Initiative has since completed murals at Vannoy Elementary School and Marshall Elementary School. The program, led by world-renowned muralist Charlo and co-founder Mark Pinsukanjana, has now created 11 murals across nine schools, inspiring over 7,000 students through hands-on art experiences. One of the initiative's aims is to bring mural art to all elementary schools within the Castro Valley Unified School District.

The Inspired Students Mural Initiative provides an interactive opportunity for students to collaborate with professional artists, explore their creativity, and contribute to a lasting piece of public art at their school. Through workshops and mural painting sessions, students gain insight into the artistic process while learning valuable skills in teamwork, self-expression, and community building.

“The students participate in a hands-on creative experience where they work alongside a renowned mural artist to explore art, collaboration, and self-expression,” said Mark Pinsukanjana. “They not only contribute to a large-scale school mural but also create their own mini-murals, making the process deeply personal and inspiring.”

With the long-term vision of transforming school environments through art, the Inspired Students Mural Initiative continues to expand, engaging more students and fostering a love for creativity. The initiative is now growing beyond Castro Valley, reaching multiple school districts throughout California and expanding nationally, with Denver, Colorado as its next major location. As the initiative progresses, the goal is to reach every elementary school in Castro Valley, empowering students through mural education.

For more information about the Inspired Students Mural Initiative, visit muralinitiative.org or follow along on Instagram: @mural_initiative | @charlo.gw