On February 14 and 15, 2026, the Balboa Magnet School Mural Project was not just a mural painting task but a special time where the local community met art. The process of transforming the ordinary school walls with color and stories was much more meaningful than expected.

Especially while witnessing the activities of the Heartshare Club leading this project, I could somewhat grasp what it means when we say, 'art contributes to society.'

Heartshare Club is a nonprofit organization made up of youth artists aged 13 and older, aiming to give back their talents to the community. Founded in November 2013 in Los Angeles, the organization expanded its reach when a second branch was established in La Crescenta in June 2017.

This mural project was also not just about painting. Every step, from designing to choosing colors and considering the composition suitable for the space, reflected the students' thoughts. Most importantly, all this work was not a 'piece to show someone' but a 'piece for the community.' It is structured so that passing students, teachers, and everyone using the space can naturally encounter art.

Balboa Magnet Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Lake Balboa, California, and is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This school is characterized by operating a 'Magnet program' that provides education focused on specific themes or fields.

Balboa Magnet School particularly emphasizes science, creative thinking, and project-based learning, helping students develop real problem-solving skills rather than just memorization.

The school atmosphere is relatively open and participatory. A culture of participation among students, teachers, and parents in school activities has been established, and various art and community projects are actively carried out. Activities like this Mural Project, where students directly participate in decorating the school space, are among them. Through such experiences, students naturally learn collaboration skills and a sense of responsibility.

Overall, Balboa Magnet School is evaluated as a place where academics, art, and community activities are well balanced.

The atmosphere I felt on-site was quite warm. Despite the cold weather, it was nice to see everyone helping each other, holding brushes and filling in colors. Some were sketching outlines, others were filling in colors, and some were refining details. Roles were divided, but the results were unified.

The vision that Heartshare Club speaks of is simple yet clear. To instill pride in the community through art, add color to the city, and make art easily accessible to everyone. In fact, such goals may sound common when stated. However, there are not many teams that actually move in this way. Especially since it is significant that youth are at the center of execution.

What I felt while observing the Balboa Magnet School Mural Project is that art does not need to be grand. Even if it is not a piece displayed in a gallery, a painting on one side of a school wall can sufficiently change people's day. A space filled with color definitely changes the atmosphere, and the emotions of those within it become a bit brighter.

Though it was a short two days, the effort and meaning contained within will likely last a long time. If more projects like this continue and more people can naturally encounter art, I believe the atmosphere of the city will gradually change as well. Ultimately, these small changes will accumulate to make the spaces we live in more livable.