Celebrated San Diego Artist Launches School Mural Projects

San Diego-based Chicana artist Scarlett Baily, renowned for her vibrant and thought-provoking murals, has just embarked on two exciting new projects.

After completing a 2,535 sq foot mural titled “Home” in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station as part of the Installations at the Station program in November 2023, Scarlett’s murals are making their way throughout the San Diego region.

This includes two of four schools partnering with NTC Foundation’s Liberty School program: High Tech Elementary Explorer (HTeX) in Liberty Station and Washington Elementary in Little Italy. Both will benefit from the artistic talents of Scarlett Baily this May.

Founded by the NTC Foundation in 2007, Liberty School helps to level the playing field by offering TK-5th Grade students an opportunity to engage with various art forms, helping them process their emotions, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their ability to learn.

Liberty School’s classes are taught by ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station artists and creatives, each focusing on a different facet of an arts education, including dance, visual art, music, writing, quilting, ceramics, and woodworking.

Known for her vibrant and captivating murals, Scarlett has already made a name for herself in the San Diego arts scene. Her work celebrates cultural nuances with an intent to preserve diversity and even incorporates community feedback and assistance within the process.

Particularly, her new mural at HTeX will capture this theme. Titled “Howka,” the new mural was commissioned to enhance the school’s playground space with art and color. The project invites students to revitalize the Kumeyaay language by integrating a new way to greet each other into their vocabulary.

Not only does Baily’s project honor the native inhabitants of San Diego County but it strives to honor and celebrate the very students attending HTeX by incorporating their ideas into the work.

Baily’s colorful creations also grace Washington Elementary with an installation that began Monday, May 20, celebrating themes of flight, skies, dreams, and joy. The installation brings encouragement to every corner of the school, including the auditorium, outdoor playground towers, and pillars.

The two new murals by the popular Installations at the Station artist are expected to be completed by the summer. They will lead to a greater appreciation of arts education in schools and enrich students’ personal and academic growth.

Learn more about Scarlett Baily and her awesome work through her website here.