A Collaboration Rooted in Community and Inclusion
HMS School has partnered with Walls for Justice to bring a vibrant mural project to life, marking our first-ever on-site mural! Walls for Justice (WFJ), founded by Sam Rodriguez and based at Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia, emerged in 2020 during a time of civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. WFJ is committed to using community art projects to inspire change, promote inclusivity, and provide accessible art experiences. Given their mission, a collaboration with HMS School was a perfect match.
This mural was made possible through a generous donation from Tom Hipp, an HMS Board of Trustees member, and his wife, Libby Hipp. After months of planning, our vision has finally come to life through a mural that represents the students at HMS School today and in the future.
A true community art project, the creation of this mural was a collaborative effort involving our executive team, board members, staff, and of course our students. Our Expressive Arts Program, led by Art Teacher Paige Knowles, a former special education teacher at HMS for over twelve years, played a significant role in making this project meaningful and accessible. Paige is dedicated to ensuring that the expressive arts programs at HMS provides accessible art tools for students of all abilities. Through painting, mold-making, and printmaking, students participated in an inclusive arts education program that prioritized creativity, exploration, and self-expression.
The Creative Process
After finalizing the mural design, Walls for Justice created a template for HMS to follow. To ensure accessibility, the mural was painted on mural cloth, allowing students to work on it from their wheelchair trays. We also used adaptive grip tools, making sure that every student, regardless of mobility, had the opportunity to contribute. Large swatches of color were incorporated in the overall design to make the painting process easier for all.
Once completed, Walls for Justice installed the mural on the long wall in our lively dining area, where it was sealed and permanently displayed for all to see.
The Meaning Behind the Mural
Paige Knowles shared her thoughts on why this project is so important:
“In addition to building up our community and bringing us all together, a major goal of the mural project is to reflect diverse identities—especially those of our HMS students. Art is a powerful tool for expressing different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. My hope is that our students see themselves represented in this mural, and that visitors who may not be familiar with our community gain a deeper understanding of different lived experiences.”
“Representation is essential for empowerment. While we continue to promote diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, there is always more we can do. I hope this mural challenges stereotypes about the disability community, showing mobility aids and communication devices for what they truly are—sources of independence. Most of all, I want everyone who sees this mural to walk away understanding that our students’ daily lives are not just important but something to celebrate.”
The Importance of Art Access for HMS Students
At HMS, we believe that art should be accessible to all. This mural is more than just art. It’s a reflection of our students’ experiences, abilities, and aspirations. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging, ensuring that every student sees themselves represented in the school environment.
Expressive arts provide our students with a creative outlet, a means of self-expression, and a way to connect with others. Through adaptive tools and thoughtful program design, we continue to create opportunities for students to engage with art in ways that are meaningful to them.
This mural is just one of many steps toward ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore, create, and leave their mark. Both at HMS and in the world beyond.
Want to learn more about this incredible collaboration? Read our full press release here: HMS School Unveils Mural Project Thanks to Generous Donation from Board Member Tom Hipp
For a behind-the-scenes look at the mural’s creation, check out our video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJG61R5Liyw
We were featured on 6ABC News check out our highlight below (We do not own the rights to this video. Content courtesy of 6ABC News.):
