In August 2024, Franklin High School art teachers Alexis Ortega, Kellyn Waterman-Lopez, Justin Grant, and Julie Hines collaborated to create a feather mural in the ‘A’ building.
Ortega and the other art teachers got inspiration to create this mural from the muralist Kelsey Montague. Montague created a mural that said “What lifts you” in the form of wings in Nashville, Tennessee. “[This mural] inspired me to integrate our school slogan, which is ‘rise, respect, integrity, safety, and engagement,’” said Ortega. 
Ortega said her idea was to create a stronger community at Franklin High School. Ortega said she wanted to bring everyone together, and because of this, students in the visual arts class were asked to design a feather. After that, they collected and put all the feathers together, creating the shape of wings. With this, Montague’s mural inspired the concept: “Together we rise.”
According to Ortega, the contribution from all the students in the visual arts department shows a combination of culture, stories, and interests. “[The mural] portrays everyone’s interests and influences and popular culture,” said Ortega. “It reflects our students and who they are… It’s very representative of who we are as a school population, and it shows our creativity.”
All of the teachers from the art department invite everyone to Franklin High School and encourage the students to take art classes. Ortega believes explicitly that using your creativity has a positive effect. “It’s essential for your mental well-being… [and you can] contribute to your community by creating art,” said Ortega.
This mural represents our school community’s cohesiveness. It is located in the entryway of the ‘A’ building, right across from the counseling office, and you can find it in the hallway of the art classrooms. Ortega and the art teachers encourage you to visit the mural and take a picture with it, especially if your artwork is included- it is a chance to showcase your talents! Furthermore, this mural conveys that nobody is alone and that we are all a community that should rise together, so come and support our students’ talent!
