The Town of Fountain Hills partnered with The Inspiration Academy and local artist Laura Thurbon to install a new student-created mural celebrating the Sonoran Desert landscape. The mural, designed and painted by students under Thurbon’s guidance, is located at Fountain Park adjacent to the iconic 100-foot Fountain Hills mural.
Thurbon submitted the mural concept for Town approval and oversaw the project, working with 13 students ranging in age from 12 to 16. The mural serves as a hands-on learning experience in public art.
Thurbon is an art and Spanish teacher at The Inspiration Academy, and an internationally award-winning professional artist based in Arizona. Her diverse career background includes work as a muralist, art therapy coach, educator, live art performer, fashion designer and business entrepreneur. With more than 33 years of teaching experience, Thurbon has inspired students from kindergarten through college.
“Prior to joining The Inspiration Academy, Laura Thurbon completed nine murals commissioned by the Town of Fountain Hills,” said Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs. “Laura approached the Town with the idea of partnering with students on a mural project. Based on the quality of her work and her commitment to arts education, the Town was pleased to pilot a youth-focused public art project.”
The project was so successful the Town has also partnered with The Inspiration Academy to work on an upcoming Irish Fest art initiative to bring back “Nessie.” The annual Greening of the Fountain, a St. Patrick’s Day tradition since 1979, began as a 1978 bet involving a homebuilder, green dye, a plan to water-ski in the fountain and a special appearance with “Nessie.” This year, “Nessie” will be making an appearance at the annual Irish Fest on March 14.
These projects represent the Town’s continued commitment to placemaking, public art and youth engagement, while providing students with a unique opportunity to contribute to Fountain Hills’ vibrant downtown and park spaces.
For more information about Fountain Hills’ commitment to public art, please visit experiencefountainhills.org.