Colville Together and CJHS Students Work to Create New Mural

Shaw said, “This funding, awarded through Innovia’s 2025 Community Grant program, aligns with this year’s funding theme of youth engagement, [which is] aimed at creating more opportunities for young people to connect, contribute, and reduce social isolation.” She added that Colville Together plans to partner with Colville Junior High School (CJHS) to involve student artists in the design and creation of a public mural in downtown Colville.

The Innovia Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving eastern Washington and north Idaho, providing grants and scholarships to people who want to improve their communities “where every person has the opportunity to thrive.” 

Amy Anderson plans to  coordinate with the building owner regarding potential designs. “In the fall, the students will begin participating in the design process. Hopefully in the spring, the mural will be installed by Mrs. Anderson and her students,” said Shaw. The project will include student workshops, design showcases, and public painting days intended to bring the community together.According to Shaw, the mural is to be installed in Heritage Court, in keeping with Colville Together’s mission to revitalize and activate public spaces. She said this initiative builds on a mural created by CJHS students in the fall of 2024. Inspired by a national kindness campaign launched by CBS News and Character Counts! – an organization that focuses on building students’ character skills and shaping a positive school culture –  Anderson said she led her students in designing and painting a mural with a message of giving back to the community, paying it forward, and unsolicited acts of kindness. 

The mural is located on the back side of the school facing the football field. According to Anderson, the students worked together to create a message of kindness and compassion. “Kindness is a gift you can give freely,” said Anderson. “We need to be kind to each other. We need to work with each other and understand other people’s values.”  

“We are excited to give young people a visible and lasting role in shaping the look and feel of downtown,” said Shaw, who added that she looks forward to “adding more student-led artwork that celebrates local identity and encourages shared pride in public spaces.” For more information, visit colvilletogether.org.