Silver City’s Youth Mural Program had a full and inspiring year, continuing its mission to engage young people in public art while strengthening community connections. From restoring long-standing murals to creating new works across Grant County, youth crews, local artists, and community partners came together to make a lasting impact.
Ongoing restoration took place at Lion’s Park, the Heritage Windows, tilework at Arizona and Broadway, the Silver City Public Pool, the Gila Library, and more. Crews repaired tiles, refreshed faded paint, and restored damaged areas to ensure these murals remain vibrant for years to come. Work also continued on the Main Street Plaza mosaic expansion, where Aldo Leopold Charter School’s YCC Mural Crew and Youth Mural Program crew added new mosaic ground and sky, supported by funding from the Town of Silver City and NM GRO.
The Bear Mountain Bird Sanctuary Project advanced with new mosaic work at the base of the windmill, designed by Aldo’s YCC mural crew and completed using leftover tiles made by San Lorenzo Elementary students. At San Lorenzo Elementary, youth crews also completed a large indoor mosaic honoring the Gila Wilderness, building on earlier tilework for the CP Anderson Vista mural. In Bayard, more than 200 students helped paint a 63-foot mural at Snell Middle School, guided by artist Erika Burleigh and her apprentice Makiah Granadino.
Summer brought renewed energy to the Silva Creek Botanical Gardens mural, where more than 30 participants ages 6 to 20 designed and installed three mosaic panels celebrating native plants, animals, people, and the region’s climate. Youth crews later expanded the piece with large mosaic flowers honoring Gila Native Plant Society founders, volunteers, and donors.
The program also reached beyond Grant County. Several young artists traveled to Santa Fe to participate in a Department of Outdoor Recreation event at the Roundhouse and share the impact of both the Youth Mural Program and the Outdoor Equity grant that helped support their work.
Support from NM GRO and the Town of Silver City made it possible to hire more youth, extend participation, and continue long-term mural projects throughout the region. Looking ahead, plans include an overnight mural camp at City of Rocks for teens in Luna, Hidalgo, and Grant counties, along with new murals in Lordsburg, at the farmers market, and at Kelly Street and the Big Ditch.
Anyone interested in joining, supporting, or learning more about the Youth Mural Program can reach the team at
[email protected].
The Youth Mural Program continues to show how public art brings people together, strengthens local identity, and creates meaningful opportunities for young artists. One mural at a time, they’re helping shape a more connected and creative Southwest New Mexico.
