Painting Hope: ArtUp Lowell Reimagines Local Spaces with Murals That Inspire

Originally Published in the Lowell Sun on September 14th, 2025

LOWELL — Splashes of color, creativity, and community spirit are brightening local schools and neighborhoods through ArtUp Lowell, a communitywide initiative that continues to redefine public spaces through vibrant murals spotlighting the city’s artistic, cultural, and creative strengths.

Coordinated by Lowell-based nonprofit Project LEARN, this mural season ArtUp Lowell brought three new installations to the community, at the Career Academy location at 125 Smith St., Greenhalge Elementary School, at 149 Ennell St., and Bartlett Community Partnership School at 79 Wannalancit St., with one more signature mural in the works for the Market Street garage in September.

“ArtUp Lowell’s school-based murals are more than decoration,” said Project LEARN Executive Director LZ Nunn. “They’re a vehicle for engagement, belonging, learning, and creating welcoming spaces that reflect student identities, energize entire communities, and inspire curiosity and pride.”

Since the summer of 2021, ArtUp Lowell has partnered with local youth, community organizations, and artists from local and international backgrounds to install 19 permanent, large-scale murals across six neighborhoods.

In 2024, ArtUp Lowell entered a new phase of community impact by turning its focus toward the city’s schools. This chapter began with two murals installed at Kathryn P. Stoklosa Middle School, located at 560 Broadway St.

Building on that momentum, ArtUp Lowell selected Career Academy, Greenhalge Elementary School and Bartlett Community Partnership School for their high visibility and deep community engagement.

As the students at the Career Academy walked on campus during the first week of school, things were looking a little different than when they left for the summer. Massachusetts-based artist Sophy Tuttle is working on a brand new large-scale student-centered mural, symbolizing growth and new beginnings.

“Even though the mural is still in its beginning stages it’s already having an impact on the school and community,” said Career Academy Principal Megan O’Loughlin. “Students and neighbors alike have stopped to comment on how much it is brightening up the space.

“We are so excited to have partnered up with Project LEARN and Art Up and have the opportunity to beautify our school’s neighborhood while representing our students,” continued O’Loughlin.

Known for her work on UMass Lowell’s “MESA” mural, located on the University’s South Campus, this would be Tuttle’s second installation in Lowell through ArtUp Lowell.

At Bartlett School, artist James Weinberg created a colorful, whimsical mural that now greets students at the main entryway. Previously marked by dumpsters and gray cement, the space bursts with color and character, thanks to grant funding from Community Schools and the partnership with Project LEARN.

The mural even became a highlight of the school’s Allied Arts Party, where students celebrated the end of the school year by showcasing their work in music, dance, and visual art.

“We love the new mural,” said Bartlett Community Partnership School Principal Mathew McLean. “Now a bright, colorful original work of art greets students. It’s a great way to start a day of learning.”

“The mural not only activates the space,” said ArtUp Lowell Curative Director Ellen Casazza. “It energizes the whole neighborhood.”

At Greenhalge Elementary School, artist Lena Mac installed a mural that now graces the front-facing wall overlooking the school garden. Featuring a cosmic design with bright, bold stars — an homage to the school’s mascot — the mural has become a symbol of pride and creativity.

More than just spectators, students actively participated in the creative process alongside Mac to repaint the school’s community garden beds with custom designs inspired by the mural. The collaborative project culminated in the school’s Garden Party End of School Celebration, which doubled as the mural’s official unveiling and drew over 100 students and families.

“Lena was able to paint our school and make Ennell Street look beautiful,” said Simone Williams, a fourth grader at Greenhalge. “I liked painting the planter boxes because I love to paint. It’s fun and relaxing. We got to come up with the ideas ourselves, which made it even more special.”

Fellow fourth grader Kayla Lenkoti echoed the joy of the experience, despite some challenges.

“Even though it was hard,” she said, “it felt good to create something that made our school look beautiful.”

Madelaine Hamilton, a K-4 art teacher at Greenhalge, called the project “transformative” for the school and neighborhood.

“It’s been incredible to watch my students collaborate with a professional artist and contribute to something that brings lasting beauty and pride to our community,” Hamilton said. “There’s a renewed sense of joy and ownership here that you can feel the moment you walk up to the building.”