Empowering Youth Through Creativity
Where Art Meets Community Spirit
The Inspired Students Mural Initiative is a community-based art project in partnership with K-12 schools across California, focused on project-based learning. This initiative provides students with the opportunity to collaborate with and be mentored by renowned mural artist Charlo.
Your generous donation can help us continue to inspire and educate students through art.
Support Our Mission
How does it work
Students will participate in hands-on creative workshops, where they will create their own mini-murals and assist in the creation of a large-scale mural on their school campus. Through this process, Charlo will educate students about his artistic vision and creative process, aiming to foster communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
The project will be implemented over two days, utilizing a designated wall space at the school. The mission of the Inspired Students Mural Initiative is to educate, inspire, and build meaningful connections among students and communities. By partnering with California schools, the initiative aims to provide students with the unique experience of working with a professional artist to co-create permanent artworks for their school.
Inspired Students Mural Initiative
Inspired Students Mural Initiative
What Has Been Done
In Spring 2024, in partnership with the Castro Valley and Novato Unified School Districts, Charlo created six murals and mentored over 1,200 students. This was made possible through funding by Proposition 28, PTA contributions, private sponsorships, and grants.
Our Vision & Your Role
For the 2024/2025 school year, the initiative plans to reach 30 more schools and over 10,000 students. To achieve this, we need your support. Your contributions will help us bring this enriching experience to more students, fostering creativity and community engagement.
Managed by Saffron Communities and fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, your generous donation to this initiative is tax-deductible. Join us in bringing ART to our students.
Meet the Team
We're a diverse group of passionate individuals, united by our mission to help students find their potential through community and creativity. Our team of artists, educators, and organizers is dedicated to bringing the power of art into schools, fostering creativity and connection one mural at a time.
CHARLO
Artistic Director / Co-Founder
Charlo, is a Denver-based multimedia artist and designer. Known for his community-oriented murals and optimistic works, he leads the Inspired Students Mural Initiative to help students discover their potential through art and creativity. Learn more about Charlo’s work.
Mark Pinsukanjana
Executive Director / Co-Founder
Mark, President and co-founder of Saffron Communities, has owned the Themes+Projects gallery in San Francisco for 25 years. Passionate about art, he also volunteers in Thailand, teaching English. Living in the Bay Area, Mark is excited to support the Inspired Students Mural Initiative.
Evelyn Rosefield
Development Director
Evelyn, our Development Director, previously led an environmental water association and has managed a heritage apple ranch for 18 years. A dedicated herbalist, she also leads spiritual circles. Evelyn will secure sponsorships and donations for the initiative.
Isa Pinsukanjana
Community Youth Leader
Isa, a freshman in Castro Valley, is active in her community, swimming, playing guitar, and baking cookies for friends. She inspired the "Cookies for All" phrase in Charlo's murals. Isa will lead youth volunteers for the mural projects.
Advisory
Bryan Yedinak
Curator
Elaine Tajima
Creative Advisor
Catherine Nam
Education Advisor
Saffron Communities champions creative and cultural initiatives that enhance the social fabric of our collective communities.
Learn more.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the Inspired Students Mural Initiative, want to get involved, or just want to share your thoughts, feel free to drop us a message. We're here to connect and create with our community. Let's bring more art into our schools together!
