Aspengrove School Spirit

Created by Humanity Art: Lys Glassford and Lauren Semple.

Project Overview
Aspengrove School commissioned Humanity in Art to create a permanent exterior mural celebrating school spirit, student creativity, and institutional values. The site, a weathered water tower on campus grounds, presented both a physical challenge and a creative opportunity to engage students in a meaningful, large-scale art process.
Initiated by Aspengrove art teacher Kristina Jones, the project brought upper-year art students into the design development phase, aligning with the school’s commitment to experiential learning and creative exploration.

Collaborative Design Process
Humanity in Art led a hands-on workshop focused on mural fundamentals and design translation for architectural surfaces. Students discussed the unique demands of mural-scale painting and explored how Aspengrove’s official colours: crimson, gold, and navy, could serve as thematic anchors.
Over subsequent weeks, student cohorts generated multiple design proposals for the water tower mural. The final concept, selected by school administration, underwent minimal adjustments before being prepared for installation.

Execution
Using a boom lift to access the curved metal surface, Humanity in Art completed the mural using alkyd and Montana spray paints. The final composition was rendered freehand, incorporating abstract and emblematic elements representing Aspengrove’s core values: Curiosity, Citizenship, Courage, Creativity, and Compassion.
The visual metaphor of interconnected aspen tree saplings served as a central motif, emphasizing the idea of growth through shared roots and community nourishment.

Outcome
The completed mural transformed the water tower from a utilitarian structure into a vibrant campus landmark. It symbolizes both the school’s values and the collaborative spirit behind its creation. The project fostered intergenerational connection and empowered students to contribute visibly to their learning environment.