A new mural created by local students will be unveiled Friday at Pickett Park in Reno, as part of a youth-led public art project organized by Communities In Schools (CIS) of Western Nevada and the Nevada Museum of Art.
The mural was developed through the CoLAB Public Art Project at the E.L. Cord Museum School, an initiative now in its fourth year.
The program gives students the opportunity to work with professional artists to create large-scale public art while exploring personal expression and community impact.
Students from Vaughn Middle School, Sparks Middle School, Clayton Middle School, Sparks High School, and Innovations High School participated in the project.
Each of the schools receives wraparound services from CIS, which aims to support students’ academic and personal success.
Artist Nathaniel Benjamin collaborated with the students throughout the design and painting process.
Funding for artist fees and preparation came from the Reno Arts & Culture Commission and the city’s Public Art Committee.
The mural will be revealed at a public event Friday at 10 a.m. in Pickett Park, located near Libby Booth Elementary and across from Renown Health.
According to CIS, in an online Facebook post, the mural is part of a broader effort to revitalize the park and create a more welcoming space for students, families, and neighbors.
“This is more than just a mural. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when young people are empowered to shape the spaces around them,” the organization stated in a public post.
