Impacting Jackson Elementary through Art

Yesterday as the school dismissal bell rang, students at Jackson Elementary in Altadena, streamed out of their classrooms ready to walk home or meet a caregiver along the outside fence. Many students stopped, stared and said "WOW" as renown muralist and artist Ruben Rojas put the finishing touches on his inspirational message - BE Positive, BE Kind and Thoughtful.

Rojas is a co-founder of Beautify Earth and his murals bring messages of love, inspiring social change and transforming communities. Standing next to Rojas, he showed me some of his art on his Instagram @rubenrojas.

One was his colorful mural messages: “You belong here” that is painted in San Antonio Texas. Another “Imagine A World Without Them: Whale” is showcased on a bare wall in Ventura, CA. “This one represents the mother orca whale who carried her dead calf on her back for more than two weeks, to prevent her baby from sinking to the bottom of the ocean floor,” said Rojas.

The fast casual Mediterranean restaurant brand CAVA sponsored Rojas to paint at this local elementary school. They asked Cava employees if they would like to help paint for the day, and over a handful arrived ready to paint vegetables in the school garden and turn beige walls into a hallway of uplifting color.

Other volunteers included Nicole Landers Head of Business Development for Zola providing healthy coconut and sparkling waters, Adam Von Rothfelder, the founder & CEO offering cups of his Strong Coffee, and Mike Schibel Brand Manager of CAVA, who organized the day and event.

Do you want to make that difference at your school spotlighting positive messages through art? How about in your own workspace or neighborhood you live in? Sponsoring Ruben Rojas can help spread your message through art, and make a lasting impact in the world. Contact him by going to his website - Ruben Rojas.