McNary Students Create Vibrant Street Mural

High school art class partners with local neighborhood group to beautify community space.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:12pm

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of bold, abstract shapes and patterns in a vibrant color palette, capturing the celebratory and collaborative nature of a community art project.A student-created street mural brings a burst of color and community spirit to a Keizer, Oregon neighborhood.Keizer Today

Students from McNary High School's graphic design and photography class have teamed up with the Northwest Keizer Neighborhood Association to create a vibrant, community-inspired street mural in the heart of the Oregon city. The project provides real-world experience for the young artists while also bringing more color and life to a public space.

Why it matters

This collaborative mural project exemplifies how schools can engage students in meaningful, hands-on work that benefits the local community. By partnering with neighborhood groups, the students gain valuable skills while also contributing to the visual appeal and shared identity of the area.

The details

Under the guidance of their teacher Todd Layton, the McNary High students have spent weeks brainstorming concepts, sketching designs, and then transferring their vision onto the street surface. The final mural will feature a mix of abstract patterns, nature-inspired imagery, and celebratory elements that reflect the diverse character of the Northwest Keizer neighborhood.

  • The project began in the fall of 2025 when the neighborhood association approached the school.
  • The students have been working on the mural design and painting since early 2026.
  • The completed mural is set to be unveiled to the public on March 31, 2026.

The players

Todd Layton

A graphic design and photography teacher at McNary High School who oversees the student mural project.

Tammy Saldivar

The vice president of the Northwest Keizer Neighborhood Association, who initiated the collaboration with the high school.

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What they’re saying

“This is an amazing opportunity for them to see their work out in the real world and bring the community together.”

— Tammy Saldivar, Vice President, Northwest Keizer Neighborhood Association

What’s next

The completed mural will be celebrated with a public unveiling event on March 31, 2026, where residents can view the students' artwork and learn more about the collaborative process.

The takeaway

By partnering with local community groups, high school art programs can provide students with valuable real-world experience while also contributing to the visual vibrancy and shared identity of the neighborhoods they serve.