Art has a unique power of bringing people together.
At Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School, we create a supportive community that is both diverse and inclusive, and we believe the art on our school premises should be no different. Murals can tell a story, and celebrate diversity while reflecting the values of an entire community. At Arco Iris, we take pride in our culturally diverse community, and we are thrilled to announce a new addition to our campus.
Brushstrokes of Inclusion
The Leadership Beaverton Class of 2024 along with the Arco Iris Leadership Team came together for an idea of a mural project to “foster a sense of belonging and pride” among students and the community. With Luis Samayoa, and the Leadership Beaverton Class of 2024 heading the coordination and commission, this culturally diverse mural came together. Brushstrokes of Inclusion, created by Visual Artist and Muralist, William Hernandez, sits right here on the Arco Iris school campus.
Arco Iris students were ecstatic to have a front row seat to the mural painting process. Over a three week time period, William Hernandez along with his painting assistants, spent hours on our campus putting intention into every brush stroke. Leading up to the reveal, Arco Iris students could not wait to see the completed mural.
On May 3rd, the 23 x 23 ft colorful mural was showcased during an event open to the community, where Arco Iris students, faculty, Board Members, guests of the greater Beaverton community, as well as the City of Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty attended. During the reveal event, students cheered at the sight of the new addition to their school. Arco Iris Executive Director, Jesús Urdiales, shared that this mural will bring the community together: “This mural encompasses what we stand for here at Arco Iris. We care deeply about people. We share and build partnerships. We celebrate, laugh, and seek joy. It also captures a positive and growth mindset by reminding each other that kindness in our interactions is paramount."
The beautifully bright mural depicts a joyful community that is cherished by children; showcasing a vibrant world with students holding up the world with the phrase Todos Son Bienvenidos and comunidad. Can you spot a special Jaguar that even makes an appearance?
Todos Son Bienvenidos (Everyone is Welcome)
The Brushstrokes of Inclusion mural is open to the public, and we hope you will stop by this summer to take a look at the new artwork. Our school is centrally located, and we are proud of our true multicultural setting! If you love the area and want to learn more about Arco Iris Spanish Immersion, and the tuition-free opportunities at our school, check out our Enrollment Page.
We are excited to incorporate our new mural into our upcoming outdoor events, including the Move-A-Thon in the Fall! We know this mural will continue to bring the community together. The initiative for the Brushstrokes of Inclusion mural aims to foster a sense of belonging and pride among students and the community, and we know it will do just that.
Let's unlock your child's full potential together! Our Open Enrollment has closed, but you may still apply by visiting our website and completing the 2024-2025 application. Space is filled on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about Arco Iris, visit www.arcoirisschool.org or call us at (503) 372-6052.
About Arco Iris
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. We’re enrolling for Fall 2024-25.
(Photos Credit: Michelle Bauer Photography)