The Fresno Mural Program has been in place at Fresno Unified schools since 2020. Photo contributed

Fresno Unified schools are being beautified by the hands of students.

The Fresno Mural Program invites aspiring artists to take part in after-school programs at home school sites, learning skills that could be applied to the district’s growing mural program.

Some of the participants had never picked up a paint brush before.

It started in 2020 when Fresno artist Jason Esquivel donated a mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to King Elementary School. He then donated a mural to Baird Middle School.

After seeing the impact of the mural on the campus communities, the Fresno Mural Program came to life to teach children how to paint murals and bring more art to Fresno.

Esquivel has been a professional artist for more than 10 years.

“I have always liked painting and art as a child. I went to school for graphic design after I got my degree, but it was slow. I didn’t get it started until five years later,” he said.

Since the Fresno Mural Program’s inception, Esquivel has created more than 55 murals with plans for more.

Communicating with schools, principals and administrators was key in getting the program running. Esquivel said each mural design was created based on the school’s individuality and uniqueness.

Naomi Marie is Esquivel’s partner in the mural arts program. She emphasized the impact the program has had on students.

Program directors estimate the amount and quality of paint needed for each mural and provide brushes and tools for the students.

 

“The kids play a very big role in getting these murals done. Many think they just come one day and work on it for five minutes just to say to say they ‘worked on it.’ But no, these kids paint probably 65% to sometimes 80% of the murals. Anything in their reach, they do,” said Marie.

The students’ excitement led to completing murals in nearly one day. Many tried to hold different roles, taking charge of the project and telling the directors what needs to be redone and how it needed to be created. Marie said they tried to keep their excitement in the artwork.

As an artist, Marie said the directors have the opportunity to make more revenue through commissions or individual work, but the work they are doing with students is rewarding. The students are creating something monumental, while the artists have the chance to continue their careers by teaching up-and-coming artists.

“Seeing the students’ faces when I say ‘everything is going to be OK, and it’s OK to make mistakes,’ is why I love my job,” Marie said. “Besides the clout, money and glamorous part, I love doing it for the children and the community.”

At the end of the day, many begged their parents or guardians to stay longer before they returned to what “reality is waiting for them,” Marie added.