Mexic-Arte Museum hosted a mural reveal ceremony at Akins High School on November 10 to showcase the work of participating art students and master artist Ruben Esquivel. The mural takes up three walls in a high-traffic stairwell on campus by the fine arts building and is intended to capture what it means to be a part of the Akins High School community.

According to a press release, students did this with the goal of creating a permanent and timeless visual composition.

“This project was a labor of love and my gift to the entire student body and staff,” Esquivel said in the release.

Akins High School has been a long-time partner with Mexic-Arte Museum, including the nationally recognized, outreach program Screen It! For amArte’s first year in operation, Akins hosted two workshops – one with film photography for advanced photo students and another as a community-driven muralism workshop with advanced art students.

The mural created by the students and Esquivel is easily the most ambitious workshop in the premiering fiscal year, according to the press

Students were mentored by Esquivel on every part of the mural-making process from dealing with pricing the project for a quote to reflecting on the purpose and impacts of murals.

“This workshop has been a transformative experience for our students and staff for years to come,” Cannon said.

The reveal ceremony included Mariachis, beverages, snacks, and presentations from participating students and Esquivel for the public to enjoy.

amArte is Mexic-Arte Museum’s education outreach program funded by Austin Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention.