St Joseph’s Primary School welcomed Creative Practitioners @davelong.art and David Toft after an invitation from Harriet Jones, the Year 4 class teacher. Together, they worked closely with her group of 29 children to develop a mural that reflected the themes and ideas most important to them. From the very beginning, the pupils had the opportunity to contribute their own creativity and personal perspectives, helping shape a piece that truly represents their collective vision.
Working directly with the class, the children shared the issues that mattered most to them. It quickly became clear that they were passionate about the earth, the environment, and the future of our planet. Consequently, animals and the ocean emerged as the central theme of the mural. Using these ideas as inspiration, the artists helped translate the children’s visions into a cohesive design that could come alive on the playground wall.
While Dave painted the mural, the students suggested where to place each element and shared their creative ideas. This collaboration let the children take ownership of the artwork and allowed the artists to add imaginative touches inspired by the pupils.
Over two busy days, the wall slowly transformed, and as the photos show, the vibrant design finally came to life.
This project shows how working with young people can create meaningful art. It results in visually striking pieces that reflect their concerns and celebrate their voices. It also demonstrates how schools like St Joseph’s Primary School can encourage hands-on learning, foster creativity, and inspire environmental stewardship.
For a closer look at our community-based projects, visit: Fresh Creative Projects. Each initiative demonstrates how art can transform spaces, celebrate culture, and strengthen community connections. To see the amazing work St Joseph’s Primary School does, head here: St Joseph’s Primary School.
