PS82 The Hammond School

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PS82 The Hammond School

Commissioned by:

NYC DOE

Service:

Art Mural painted with students

Measures:

47 x 3.5 ft.

Location:

Queens, New York

Dates:

March – June 2024

The mural created at PS82 The Hammond School led by artist Carlos Torres Machado emerges as both an artistic intervention and an educational journey that places students at the center of the creative process. Developed through a series of workshops, the project began with an introduction to the history and social role of murals, allowing elementary school students to understand how public art has long served as a voice for communities, cultures, and shared aspirations. From there, students were introduced to the materials, techniques, and collaborative spirit required to bring a large-scale mural to life.

“We rise by lifting others.”

The resulting composition stretches across a school wall with vibrant color fields and silhouetted profiles, accompanied by an uplifting message. This bilingual phrase reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity that defines many New York classrooms, reinforcing the idea that empathy and collective growth are essential values within a learning community.

Beyond its visual presence, the mural stands as a testament to the transformative power of participatory public art in schools. Under the guidance of a professional muralist—who completed the lettering and final details—students actively contributed to painting the work, experiencing firsthand the discipline and teamwork behind public artistic production.