Metro DC Based Artist
Murals for Schools & Youth Focused Spaces
Turn hallways into visual learning tools — and blank walls into shared pride.
School murals can do more than look good. When designed with students and staff, they become a living environment that reinforces identity, values, and learning — while giving students real ownership in their space.
Great for: entryways, gyms, libraries, cafeterias, main hallways, and outdoor courtyards.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
More than a mural: a teaching-artist process
I’m not just painting at a school — I can partner with your school as a teaching artist.
That means the mural can be designed to support:
- curriculum themes
- school culture and core values
- student voice and ownership
- social-emotional learning
- community pride and visibility
You get a professionally executed mural — with optional student collaboration that fits your schedule and supervision comfort level.
3 Main STUDENT
COLLABORATION OPTIONS
Artist-Led Mural with Student Voice
Professional mural informed by student ideas
The mural is fully designed and painted by me, with optional student input gathered through simple methods such as idea prompts, surveys, or short voting exercises facilitated by staff.
Students may help inform:
- Theme direction
- Words, symbols, or concepts that represent the school
- Color preferences or subject emphasis
I translate this input into a cohesive, professionally executed mural.
This option builds student connection while maintaining artistic consistency and efficiency.
Artist-Led Mural with Select Student Participation
Limited, guided participation without compromising quality
I paint the main structure, composition, and all critical elements of the mural.
If desired, students may participate in small, controlled ways under guidance, such as:
- Filling pre-outlined shapes
- Painting background color sections
- Adding simple icons, symbols, or patterns
- Contributing handprints or signature elements
This option offers student involvement while ensuring the final artwork remains unified, durable, and professionally finished.
Artist-Directed Mural
Full creative execution by the artist
I design and paint the mural entirely, based on the school’s goals, values, and visual identity.
This option is ideal for schools that want a polished, professional result with minimal disruption to the school day.
Possible mural themes include:
- School name, crest, or logo
- Mascot or team identity
- School motto, mission statement, or core values
- Inspirational quotes or themes (leadership, perseverance, unity, creativity)
- Academic themes (STEM, arts, history, literacy, growth mindset)
This option delivers a clean, long-lasting mural with strong visual impact and clear messaging.
What These Options Have in Common
- Artist-designed and artist-led
- Final creative decisions remain with the artist
- Scheduling adapted to the school’s needs
- No ongoing classroom instruction required
- Custom elements can be incorporated based on the school’s goals and objectives
Custom Mural Option
If the options above do not fully align with your goals, a custom mural package can be developed
to meet the specific needs, space, and objectives of your school.
CURRICULUM INTEGRATION
If you want the mural to support instruction, we can design it as “visual curriculum” — where the building reinforces learning.
Local history timeline walls
Community landmarks, notable alumni, & town roots
Literacy + storytelling
Library “storybook worlds,” author-inspired scenes, & imagination zones
Science + ecosystems
Native flora/fauna, watersheds, & environmental stewardship
Cultural heritage
Student identity, community stories, & culturally meaningful symbolism
STEM + design thinking
Grid scaling, geometry, mapping, visual communications
Social-emotional learning and school culture
You’ll see a clear visual direction before anything is painted. Instead of just listing values on posters, we embed them into an image students feel.
belonging
resilience
unity
kindness
growth mindset
courage
Funding-friendly by design
Schools often fund murals through more than one path. Depending on your school, murals may align with:
- PTO/PTO fundraising
- donor or alumni gifts
- school climate and culture initiatives
- facility beautification budgets
- arts or community grants (especially when paired with workshops)
If you tell me how your funding works, I’ll shape the proposal accordingly.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step 1: Discovery
We talk goals, wall location, timeline, and approvals.
Step 2: Concept + Mock-up
You’ll see a clear direction before we begin
Step 3: Schedule + Prep
We plan around your space and hours
Step 4: Paint + Reveal
Clean, respectful execution and a finished experience
Step 5: Seal + Care
Guidance for durability and maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mural project typically take?
Timelines vary based on size, complexity, and site conditions. Smaller projects may take a few days, while larger murals or installations can take one to two weeks once painting begins.
Design and planning happen ahead of time so the on-site work is efficient and respectful of your space.
Do you work in active businesses or public spaces?
Yes. I regularly work in active environments and plan projects to minimize disruption.
Scheduling, access, and workflow are coordinated in advance so the process feels smooth and manageable.
Do you work while students are on campus?
Yes — and we plan the schedule to minimize disruption. Many projects are done after hours, during breaks, or in controlled areas depending on school preference.
Do you offer background checks if required?
If your district requires vendor screening or fingerprinting, I’ll follow your process and provide documentation as needed.
Can you work within a specific budget?
Every project is custom and priced based on size, complexity, surface conditions, and scope. Murals and installations typically begin at $300.
If you have a budget range in mind, we can explore creative options that fit while maintaining quality and intention.
Do you carry insurance?
Yes — I can provide a Certificate of Insurance and comply with site requirements.
Do you offer maintenance or touch-ups?
Yes. Over time, murals may experience wear depending on environment and exposure.
I’m happy to provide guidance on care and offer touch-ups or maintenance as needed.
How do you handle lots of feedback from multiple stakeholders?
To keep things smooth, schools choose one point person to collect feedback and send consolidated notes.
The design phase includes up to two revision rounds.
Can this be tied to curriculum or a student program?
Yes. The mural can function as a visual learning tool and can include student research, class prompts, or guided workshops depending on your goals.
Do you help with permits or approvals?
If permits or approvals are required for a project, I’ll let you know what’s needed and help point you in the right direction.
Requirements vary by location, and we’ll address this early in the process.
Do you offer ongoing or seasonal mural updates?
Yes. Some businesses choose to refresh their space seasonally or annually through window art, updates, or evolving installations.
If this is something you’re interested in, we can talk through a longer-term creative plan.
Do you offer murals without student participation or workshops?
Yes. Many schools prefer a clean, low-lift process where I handle everything professionally while your staff stays focused on school operations.
What materials do you use?
I use professional-grade paints and materials designed specifically for interior and exterior mural work.
These materials are durable, weather-resistant, and selected for longevity.
Finished murals are sealed when appropriate, and care guidance is provided.
What do you need from us to get started?
A photo of the wall, approximate measurements, location (interior or exterior), your general goals (school pride, values, mascot, culture), and who the main point person will be.
Can you match our school colors and branding?
Yes. If you have official brand colors (or a style guide), I can match them as closely as paint allows and will confirm the direction in the mock-up stage before painting begins.
"The whole process was joyful and fun. Darby communicated with me
consistently, shared progress along the way, and made the experience
feel exciting rather than stressful. It felt like dreaming together and
watching it come to life.”
Barb Shaw
ART DIRECTOR
Contact Darby @ 717-990-6999
Want to explore a mural for your campus?
Let's talk.
Please complete this form and we will get back to you within 2 business days.
Why Work With Me
I’ve been creating and selling art since I was a teenager. I began painting murals and selling my work at age 15, and over the years I’ve built a professional creative practice that spans commissioned artwork, customized apparel, public installations, set design for a theater company, gallery shows, and large-scale murals.
For the past two years, I’ve intentionally focused on mural painting and education, blending public art with meaningful engagement in schools and community spaces. My work is grounded in storytelling, identity, and creating environments that feel alive, welcoming, and purposeful.
Alongside my studio and mural practice, I bring extensive experience working directly with children and teens:
- I served as a camp counselor for three years, working with students ages 7–18, where art was one of the most requested and impactful activities. Much of this work focused on collaborative art projects, teamwork, and shared problem-solving.
- I taught art classes for nearly two years at Capitol Academy of the Arts in New Holland, Pennsylvania.
- I’ve led individual classes, group workshops, and school presentations, adapting my approach to different ages, learning styles, and group sizes.
- I taught art in an orphanage in West Monroe, Louisiana, and completed an international project with Imprint Hope in Jinja, Uganda, creating artwork for a nursery and working with children, including those with special needs.
- I’ve worked in underserved rural communities in West Virginia, leading interactive storytelling and art presentations centered on resilience, identity, and overcoming obstacles.
- I facilitated a high school presentation for up to 200 students focused on rewriting one’s story and discovering personal purpose.
- I’ve worked alongside special needs students, often collaborating with my wife, who is an occupational therapist, which has shaped a patient, inclusive, and safety-conscious approach.
I’m also involved with the Lancaster County Art Association, where I continue to stay connected to the regional art community, professional development, and public-facing exhibitions.
Across all of these experiences, I’ve developed a structured, respectful, and adaptable way of working—whether I’m collaborating with students, coordinating with administrators, or executing a mural in an active school environment.
Schools and organizations can choose the level of involvement that best fits their needs:
- A professionally executed mural, completed efficiently with minimal disruption
- Or a student-engaged project, where collaboration and visual learning are part of the process
Both options are delivered with the same care, professionalism, and clarity from start to finish.