Live Art. Real Stories. Student Voice.
WORK IN PROGRESS
YOU ARE NOT FINISHED MAKE THE NEXT MARK
WHAT I DO
Darby Slaton combines live visual art, storytelling, student reflection, and professional mural creation to help students see themselves and their school community as a work in progress.
The art gets their attention, the story helps them see themselves, and their voice becomes part of what is created.
You are not finished. Make the next mark
Darby Slaton combines live visual art, storytelling, student reflection, and professional mural creation to help growing students see themselves and their school community as a work in progress.
The art gets their attention, the story helps them see themselves, and their voice becomes part of what is created
Reviews
“In a day when it can seem that chaos and disruption is the norm, it's encouraging to know that our young people have someone like Darby Slaton to whom they can turn.
He brings a message of hope, resilience, and purpose to a generation who is longing to hear.
Darby's exuberance is contagious. His ability to get others (students) excited about life is a welcome asset for any school."
— Dr. Ivy Bonk, Founder/President, ReThink Learning
“I fully endorse Darby Slaton and his message to any high school interested in motivating and supporting their students to discovering their identity and purpose...
Our students and staff were fully engaged and focused during his story."
— Jamal Womble, Assistant Principal, Fairmont Senior High School
The 3 Ways We Can Partner Together
Option 1: Work in Progress — Live-Art Assembly
Target Audience: Whole-school or grade-level assemblies for middle and high schools (Grades 3–12).
What Happens: A 45–55 minute live-art performance where an original, large-scale painting takes shape right on stage.
Through storytelling and visual metaphor, Darby frames the creative process—layering, wrong turns, and revision—as a guide for navigating mistakes, identity, and personal growth.
What You Receive: The live performance, the original artwork left on campus as a permanent artifact, low-risk interactive student engagement, and the Post-Assembly Educator Toolkit.
Option 2: Assembly + Next Mark Labs
Target Audience: Schools wanting genuine student input and deeper engagement for targeted student groups (e.g., student council, art classes, peer leaders, or advisory reps).
What Happens: Pairs the full live-art assembly with 2 to 4 small-group interactive workshops (25–35 students each).
Sessions focus on creative decision-making, visual storytelling, and constructive revision.
What You Receive: The full assembly ignition, student-generated creative prompts, small-group reflection activities, and direct collaboration with a professional artist.
Option 3: Student Voice Mural Experience
Target Audience: Schools looking for a whole-school culture transformation and a permanent visual legacy.
What Happens: A multi-day residency that converts student ideas, words, and reflections into a permanent, professionally finished wall mural.
The process bridges assembly inspiration with structured student design input, controlled student painting sessions (using an 80% professional / 20% student contribution model), and a public reveal ceremony.
What You Receive: Assembly ignition, student design workshops, professional composition and synthesis, guided student painting, final artist refinement, and a custom school landmark.
Also available: Mural-Only custom design and professional execution for schools wanting a clean, low-lift professional visual transformation without student programming.
THE POST-ASSEMBLY EDUCATOR TOOLKIT
To ensure the momentum continues long after the event concludes, every booking includes practical follow-up materials for teachers:
Teacher Advisory Guide: A 15-minute follow-up lesson plan for classroom discussion.
"Next Mark" Student Cards: Print-ready reflection cards prompting students to commit to one positive, actionable step within 7 days.
Visual Discussion Media: High-resolution images showing key stages of the assembly artwork's creation.
QUICK SPECS & LOGISTICS
Target Audience: Tailored age-appropriate messaging for Middle School (Grades 3–12)
Durations: Assembly: 45–55 minutes | Workshops: 45–60 minutes.
Stage Requirements: Minimum 12'x12' clear stage/floor area, floor protection provided, standard audio/mic setup, and access to power.
Built for Schools. Zero Headaches for Staff.
As an independent artist who has worked extensively inside educational spaces, I know that school day operations are sacred.
Every assembly, workshop, and mural residency is built with complete operational respect for your campus:
Absolute Floor & Facility Protection: I bring professional-grade heavy-duty floor coverings and drop cloths. The gym floor, cafeteria stage, or hallway walls remain completely spotless.
Zero Classroom Disruption: Set-up and tear-down are meticulously timed around your bell schedule, operating with quiet professionalism so daily instruction is never interrupted.
Fully Managed Engagement: From the moment I step on campus to the final high-five, student interactions are structured, low-risk, high-energy, and completely controlled.
Your teachers can relax and enjoy the experience alongside their students.
READY TO DISCUSS YOUR SPACE?
Whether you want to start a conversation about an upcoming assembly or plan a campus mural, let’s talk about what fits your calendar and budget.
TRUSTED BY
Mural & Community Art Portfolio
A sample of professional wall painting, window displays, and creative projects designed to engage communities and transform shared spaces.
Who Is Darby Slaton
Experience Working with Youth Through Art
I am a professional muralist and mixed-media artist dedicated to transforming educational environments into spaces where students feel a true sense of belonging and pride.
Over years of working with students ages 7–18 across schools, camps, and community settings, I’ve learned that the physical walls of a school deeply influence how young people experience their daily identity and community.
What sets my programs apart is the seamless integration of live art, personal storytelling, and collaborative execution.
Whether I'm leading a high-energy assembly or guiding students through a permanent mural installation, my approach is safe, structured, and entirely focused on helping students see their school—and themselves—as a work in progress.
