12' x 30' Mural titled 'Golden Empire Elementary'

Sacramento Unified School District/ Rosemont

Project Overview

Golden Empire Elementary is a public "Leader in Me" school in Sacramento, CA, known for emphasizing academic excellence and strong character development.

While working on the mural, summer school was in session, so many students attending were actually from other schools. Regular students would later be returning in August, with an exciting surprise waiting for them.

When I first visited, I noticed the school's walls were mostly ivory-colored wooden panels—clean but definitely missing some liveliness. There were a few smaller murals, showing they embraced creativity, but the space near the school’s entrance needed something bold and inspiring.

Golden Empire Elementary reached out through the Sacramento Unified School District’s approved artist list, looking to add vibrancy and inspiration to their campus. Principal Azarel Iniguez and Community Engagement Manager Niki Kangas wanted the mural to visually represent their core values: kindness, integrity, diversity, imagination, collaboration, and environmental awareness.

Creative Process

Our collaboration kicked off via email, coordinating schedules for meetings and a community paint day. I visited the school, met with faculty, Principal Azarel, and Niki to explore concepts. They emphasized the mural should embody kindness, imagination, diversity, integrity, teamwork, and vibrant colors. I took these ideas home and started sketching concepts, first on paper, then digitally. After just one revision, they happily approved the final design.

The finished mural stands out brilliantly with its vivid colors, diverse representations of children, and prominent lettering spelling out “Integrity” and “Kindness.” An eagle also features prominently, symbolizing strength and pride. The mural perfectly captures the school's requested values and radiates positivity.

The Outcome

Artists from left to right: LR KREATIONS (me) and Jaya King

Myself and another artist, Jaya King, were selected through the district’s vetted bidding process to create murals at different locations on campus. Our mission was clear—transform plain walls into bright, meaningful spaces that students and staff would connect with and be proud of.

The Impact

This mural has created an inviting, creative environment, immediately transforming the school’s entrance into a welcoming and inspiring space. My hope is when regular students and staff return, they'll feel valued by the district’s investment in their environment. This piece definitely fosters a sense of pride, positivity, and community spirit.

For me personally and professionally, the project was transformative. Leading such a large-scale project independently boosted my confidence, especially as I learned new skills with spray paint techniques. Collaborating closely with staff and faculty helped me understand and navigate larger professional environments better, undoubtedly opening doors to future opportunities.

One of my favorite moments was hearing students walk past, point excitedly at the mural, and shout, “Hey, that’s me!” It warmed my heart knowing they could see themselves reflected in my work—exactly the impact I strive for.

Contact Me for Mural Projects

If you’re ready to turn your space into something unforgettable, let’s create something bold together.