Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Town of Fountain Hills has partnered with The Inspiration Academy and local artist Laura Thurbon to install a new student‑created mural celebrating the Sonoran Desert landscape at Fountain Park.
Designed and painted by students under Ms. Thurbon’s guidance, the mural is located adjacent to the existing 100‑foot Fountain Hills mural and is part of a youth‑focused public art initiative, according to a press release.
Ms. Thurbon submitted the mural concept for town approval and supervised the project, working with 13 students ages 12 to 16. The mural was developed as a hands‑on learning experience in public art, giving students the opportunity to participate in a public installation from concept to completion.
Ms. Thurbon is an art and Spanish teacher at The Inspiration Academy and a professional artist based in Arizona. Her background includes work as a muralist, educator, art therapy coach, live art performer, fashion designer and business owner. She has more than 30 years of teaching experience with students ranging from kindergarten through college.
“Prior to joining The Inspiration Academy, Laura Thurbon completed nine murals commissioned by the Town of Fountain Hills,” Amanda Jacobs, economic development director for the town, said. “Laura approached the Town with the idea of partnering with students on a mural project. Based on the quality of her work and her commitment to arts education, the Town was pleased to pilot a youth‑focused public art project.”
The success of the project has led the town to expand its partnership with The Inspiration Academy. The Town of Fountain Hills is now working with the school on an upcoming Irish Fest art initiative, which will include the return of “Nessie.”
The annual Greening of the Fountain, a St. Patrick’s Day tradition dating back to 1979, began after a 1978 bet involving a local homebuilder, green dye, plans to water‑ski in the fountain and an appearance by “Nessie.”
Town officials said the student mural and upcoming Irish Fest project reflect a broader commitment to placemaking, public art and youth engagement while creating opportunities for students to contribute to Fountain Hills’ public spaces.
