TRUCKEE, Calif. — Walk through the halls of Truckee High School and it’s easy to spot reminders of the school’s athletic identity. Wolverines logos line the gym walls, while sports-themed displays can be found throughout campus. But a group of students hopes a newly unveiled mural will remind the community of another important part of Truckee High: the arts.

Over the past school year, 10 students from Truckee High’s National Art Honor Society, along with Truckee High art and ceramics teacher Callie Martin, came together to transform a blank gray wall outside the school’s art classroom into a colorful tribute to artistic expression.

For many of the students involved, the mural represents more than a public art project. It serves as a statement about the value of the arts at a school where athletics often take center stage.

“Our school is very focused on sports,” said Riley Harlan, president of Truckee High’s National Art Honor Society chapter. “I think that leaves a lot of students without recognition for what they do and create within our community.”

After months of brainstorming, planning and securing approval from school administrators, the group raised funding through donations from Mountain Hardware and Sports and began painting the mural this spring.

The finished piece features sections inspired by some of the world’s most recognizable artists, including Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Each student selected an artist whose work resonated with them and created a section reflecting that artist’s style.

Students hope the mural will encourage people to think beyond traditional visual arts and recognize the wide range of creative programs available at Truckee High.

“I hope when people walk past this mural, they also see ceramics, drama, photography clubs and all these different forms of art that Truckee High has to offer,” said student Dani Mason.

The mural project comes as students continue advocating for greater recognition and support for the arts. Earlier this year, several students addressed the Truckee Town Council, highlighting the importance of arts programs and opportunities for young artists while thanking the town for its continued support.

Now complete, the mural stands as both a celebration of artistic talent and a reminder that creativity remains an important part of Truckee High’s identity.