Hartsfield students' artwork returns as campus mural

Original crosswalk art now serves as wind screen by school entrance

Mar. 4, 2026 at 10:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After the State of Florida mandated the removal of all artistic crosswalks in September 2025, the original crosswalk art created by students at Hartsfield Elementary School has been reimagined as a wind screen by the school's entrance, preserving the students' work and enhancing the privacy of the playground.

Why it matters

School-based placemaking projects like this mural help strengthen connections between students, parents, educators, and the surrounding community. When children see their ideas and stories reflected in their environment, it reinforces their sense of belonging and pride in their school and neighborhood.

The details

The Hartsfield mural was part of a growing effort to engage kids and families through creative projects that build pride while enhancing the surrounding neighborhood. After the state mandate, local neighbors and school leaders worked with the Knight Creative Communities Institute to explore new ways to bring the students' artwork back to the school in a meaningful way. The original crosswalk art was reimagined by a KCCI volunteer team and local designer Nicole Spina, with enhancements like the school's logo, to serve as a wind screen by the entrance and provide more privacy for the playground.

  • The State of Florida mandated the removal of all artistic crosswalks in September 2025.
  • The reimagined wind screen mural was installed at Hartsfield Elementary in March 2026 for Youth Art Month.

The players

Hartsfield Elementary School

An elementary school in Tallahassee, Florida where the original crosswalk art was created by students.

Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI)

A local organization that partnered with the school and community to explore new ways to bring the students' artwork back to the school.

Nicole Spina

A local designer who is also a 2026 KCCI Community Catalyst and helped reimagine the original crosswalk art for the wind screen mural.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Art has always played a powerful role in strengthening connections. When students see their ideas reflected in the environment around them, it reinforces that their voices matter and that they are active contributors to the identity of their school.”

— Tangela Lofton, Regional director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida A&M University

What’s next

As more school art projects take shape, there are opportunities for community members and local businesses to get involved by sponsoring these creative initiatives that build pride and enhance neighborhoods.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates how art can adapt and continue to bring a community together, even when circumstances change. The reimagined wind screen mural at Hartsfield Elementary preserves the students' original artwork while also meeting practical needs, highlighting the power of creative solutions to benefit everyone.