SPRAYPAINT AND CREATIVITY

When voters approve a bond to build a new school, and if that school is eligible for matching funds from the state, then one half of one percent of the state’s cost is reserved for public art to go into that building.

Koda Witsken (center, above) is the owner and lead creator of Hue Murals. Out of over 200 potential artists provided by the Washington State Arts Commission, Koda was chosen by Challenger High School staff as the artist they wanted to work with for their new school.

The new Challenger High School was completed in 2022 as part of the 2019 School Construction Bond. Thanks to our voters, the new 39,000 square foot school replaced the old portables that had been used as classrooms for several decades.

Koda didn’t want to create art that wouldn’t feel at home with the staff and students at Challenger, so she asked students what they wanted to see. Through her conversations she came back with one key message: They wanted art that looked and felt like them.

“All of the Challenger students have chosen to be here at this alternative high school,” Koda said. “They have very colorful and vibrant personalities, so they wanted the art to reflect themselves.”

Students also wanted the art to be in the main hallway. Koda said the students were excited about their new school, but found all the white walls made it difficult to navigate.

So Koda created two very large, very vibrant spray painted murals that, quite literally, reflected the students.

Students and staff submitted more than 100 photos that they thought reflected what it meant to be part of the Challenger family. Students voted, and the chosen photos were reflected in the murals, including four student portraits.

Students also got to sit down with Koda and she shared her expertise as a professional artist. She held portfolio reviews, tattoo apprenticeship reviews, and gave insight on what it's like making a living as an artist.

You can hear more from Koda by scanning the QR code below. She is our most recent special guest on our award winning podcast.