A dull concrete structure at Lower Lincoln Park is getting a colorful new look, thanks to more than 400 students from Franklin Elementary School and a group of volunteer parents.
Once described by children as “scary” and “drab,” the shelter in the middle of the park is now turning into a cheerful, nature-themed mural. The idea came from parents Cara Halldin and Holly Thompson Duffy, who noticed the plain structure and saw an opportunity.
“It used to be all brown and really boring,” said second-grader Nelle Harnishfeger, while brushing green paint on the wall beside her classmate, Brady Satter. “Then somebody thought we could bring in a muralist. She had the idea to make it more fun and bright.”
In just a few weeks, the entire building will be covered in vibrant art and protected with an anti-graffiti coating. The mural shows scenes of local plants and animals and changes perspective on each side. One wall features large yellow balsamroot flowers and small creatures. As viewers walk around the shelter, they see the scene zoom out to a person walking a dog, with a watchful turkey in the background.
“We’re painting nature, like springtime stuff,” said Nelle. “So even in winter, we can feel like it’s spring when we look at it.”
Inside the structure, the mural shows a nighttime scene. A dark-blue sky covers a mountain, with two people stargazing. Nocturnal animals join the quiet night.
Students Oliver Doak-Dirks and Zeke Whitbeck-Jones were busy helping with the mountain scene. They painted purple on the concrete, trying their best to stay within the lines.
“It’s fun, relaxing, and peaceful,” said Zeke.
“I like that we get to wear big shirts,” added Oliver, proudly showing off the oversized T-shirt he wore backward to protect his clothes.
The mural is part of a larger project organized by the Franklin Elementary Parent-Teacher Group and the school’s Alternative Parent Participation Learning Experience program. This program asks parents to volunteer at least 90 hours a year in the classroom.
The group received a $10,000 grant from Spokane Arts to support the mural. Local stores also donated paint and supplies.
Spokane artist Corinne Ren was chosen to lead the project. She worked closely with students and parents on the design and painting.
“A big part of this is about teaching the kids,” said Ren. “We want them to feel excited about art and to believe they can create something big.”
Planning for the mural began in the fall with a schoolwide town hall. Students shared their ideas for what should be painted. Some of their suggestions—like a rabbit with a butterfly on its nose and Spokane’s familiar wild turkeys—made it into the final design.
The grant also covered lessons from instructors at the Spokane Art School. They taught students the basics of mural-painting and helped them feel more confident.
All students at Franklin Elementary, including those in traditional classrooms and in the parent-volunteer program, will help paint the mural.
“We asked ourselves what we could do after COVID to bring the school community together,” said Halldin. “This project shows kids they have the power to make their community more beautiful.”
