SCAD SERVE unveils the university’s newest Paint Our Parks (POP) basketball court mural at Usher-Collier Elementary School in Atlanta’s Westside, the first school mural in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools.

Envisioned by SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, Paint Our Parks is a unique university initiative focused on serving the citizens of Atlanta through the creativity, expertise and altruism of SCAD’s supremely talented network of students and alumni.

SCAD SERVE Alumni Ambassador, Alexandria Hall (B.F.A, illustration, 2019) conceptualized the mural design and mentored a team of volunteers comprised of SCAD students, alumni, university faculty, staff, and Usher-Collier faculty members to create the bright basketball court mural. Hall’s design and concept for the mural was to convey positivity and creativity for the elementary school’s students, and create a vibrant, energetic and fun play space. SCAD contributed significant funds for the restoration of the court surface, and towards the creation of the larger-than-life mural to inspire students and foster an early love and appreciation for the arts.

"Bringing this SCAD POP mural design to life alongside the amazing SCAD SERVE team was such an unforgettable experience,” said artist Alexandria Hall. “The SCAD POP public art initiative provides an extraordinary opportunity for our neighbors to enjoy creative spaces that are designed to be inspiring and joyful backdrops of their lives. Experiencing firsthand the positive impact our SCAD POP mural has on the next generation of visual innovators is beyond special. As a professional artist, being regarded as an example of who young people aspire to become in the future means the world to me."

For this Usher-Collier Elementary School Paint Our Parks project, SCAD SERVE worked in partnership with the Atlanta Public Schools and collaborated with Art in the Paint, an organization that uplifts communities through art by partnering with artists and community leaders to revitalize recreational shared spaces with scenic murals.

"Atlanta Public Schools is so appreciative of the collaboration with SCAD in their Paint Our Parks initiative,” said Dr. Sara Womack, Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools. “The renovation and beautification of an unused slab of concrete at Usher-Collier Elementary School will bring joy and learning opportunities to the students and staff. The vacant space will now house basketball games, hopscotch fun, and four-square matches in a colorful and cheerful setting. With today’s gloom, violence, and desolation, this project becomes even more meaningful and brings hope for our future."

SCAD is a leader and champion of Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene, and Paint Our Parks is an important community-focused initiative. This is the first basketball court created by the university at an Atlanta school and SCAD SERVE will continue to work with APS to identify deserving spaces and school communities for projects moving forward.