Designing and Painting School Murals: A Creative Journey with Chony Bowden

Creating school murals isn’t just about beautifying walls — it’s about telling the story of a school community through the eyes of its students. Chony Bowden, a QCT-registered educator and highly experienced school mural artist, brings this philosophy to life with every project she takes on.

Her deep commitment to student engagement sets Chony’s school murals apart. Her approach isn’t about showcasing her artistic style — it's about amplifying student voice, creativity, and identity through collaborative art.

Murals That Celebrate School Identity

At St Joseph’s Primary School in Nambour, Chony led a mural project that involved every class cohort. She began by talking to students about what makes their school a special place. From those conversations, themes like local flora and fauna, school mascots, favourite learning subjects, and cherished school events like sports day emerged.

Students then took the reins of the creative process — sketching, designing, and contributing their ideas visually. Chony used these original student drawings as direct inspiration, faithfully recreating their ‘child-like’ aesthetic onto the large mural surface. The result? A mural that genuinely reflects the heart of the school, seen through the eyes of its students.

A Hands-On Painting Experience for All

But Chony’s work doesn’t stop at design. Her goal is for most students in the school to paint a section of the mural themselves, allowing for hands-on participation in bringing the artwork to life. This immersive process fosters a strong sense of ownership, pride, and memory-making, turning a blank wall into a powerful, shared achievement.

Why School Murals Matter

Murals like these do more than decorate — they build connection. They turn plain spaces into learning environments that spark imagination, celebrate diversity, and showcase collective identity. With Chony Bowden at the helm, each mural becomes a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community.

Interested in bringing a mural project to your school?

Contact Chony Bowden to learn how your students can help create something truly meaningful — and leave a lasting legacy on your school walls.