Powell Middle School has a beautiful new mural gracing the hallway outside of the library, which means it is visible from all three floors. 

Artist Jason Graves created the design, which is approximately 38 feet long and 9 feet tall, to help inspire and visually engage students while reflecting Powell’s commitment to behavioral standards, mental health, community, inclusiveness, respect, self-worth, and the importance of education. The color palette for the mural was taken from the Sources of Strength wheel.

The new mural replaces a display that had become outdated, and a number of different options were considered, but the size of the space made other types of displays too complex to design. Stephanie Bell, office manager at Powell, contacted the artist based on her experience with his work in Denver Public Schools’ parking garages downtown. She sent Jason photos of the space, information about the Sources of Strength program as well as Powell’s CORE behaviors and No Place for Hate campaign. They were also in touch about the culture and history of Powell Middle School. Jason donated some time and materials in order to make the project fit the budget set by Powell and the school’s parent/teacher organization (PTO).

Most of the work on the mural took place over the summer, and once the design was finalized, it took just under ten days to complete.

Click to expand photos. Artist Jason Graves looks on his work in the top photo.