Art of St. Elmo

At Communities In Schools of Central Texas, we surround students with a powerful community of support—helping them stay in school and thrive in life—across nine school districts and three community college campuses. In our interactive St. Elmo space, local artists brought our students’ stories to life through vibrant murals—art that reflects their strength and sparks inspiration across communities.

Outside

“Phases of Belonging” by Fabian Rey –

• A sunrise over majestic mountains symbolizes new beginnings and the endless promise each day holds. A flowing spring represents Dove Springs, our neighborhood community. The Zia symbol with its four rays, which signify the cardinal directions and the cyclical nature of existence, echo the phases of life that the mural portrays.
• Abstract portrayals capture the evolving phases of life: a young child filled with wonder, a spirited teenager, a determined adult, and a wise senior interwoven with encouraging messages that offer comfort along the challenging journey of life.

“Threads of Unity” by Fabian Rey –

• Across cultures, woven tapestry has long been a medium for storytelling. This mural carries a hidden message, the word GRATEFUL, within its woven details—inviting you to explore the deeper meaning embedded in every fiber. This concealed message reminds us that while each story is unique, every thread contributes to the rich, collective tapestry of our community.

 

 

First Floor

“Vista Tejida (Woven View)” by Fabian Rey –

• Vista Tejida means Woven View. The soft, inviting colors gently echo the tones of the outdoor mural, bridging the transition from the exterior landscape into the heart of our space.
• Buena Vista means “beautiful view,” representing the outlook we have for our students and their bright futures. Tejemos, means “we weave,” speaking to the interconnectedness of our community. Just as woven threads create a strong and vibrant tapestry, so too do the relationships and shared experiences that shape our students’ lives.

“Woven in Support” by Luis Angulo

• This mural tells the story of what it means to be truly supported—wrapped in care, surrounded by community. The heavy, protective fabric represents the mission of Communities In Schools to surround students with a network of unwavering support. The child’s steady gaze is fixed forward, eyes locked on what’s ahead: a future full of possibility.

“The Path Unfolds” by Lucas Aoki, including interactive art pieces

• Two towering guardians guide your journey. In the dark space of transformation, the color palette represents that not every journey is full of color. A child, holding a delicate dandelion, closes their eyes and exhales a gentle wish. And with that breath, color awakens representing imagination and hope.

 “River of Change” by Luis Angulo –

A swirling current carries you forward in a space of transition and a journey through transformation, which represents the movement of life itself. The mural is a reminder that growth is never stagnant, and we are constantly evolving, adapting and stepping into the next phase of our journey.

 “Lifted by Hands, Rooted in Place” by Mugs and Pockets –

• A giant-like figure with hands larger than life kneels, fingers intertwined on the ground, ready to offer support, to lift you up—if you choose to take it. This act of offering a hand of support is at the heart of Communities In Schools.

“The Child That Grew from Concrete” by Franck Kevin Laguna Guevara –

• Beyond door in hallway leading to east side of the building
• The mural is inspired by Tupac Shakur’s powerful poem “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” a reflection on resilience, beauty and strength in the face of adversity. A young boy and his parents form a circle of care: family, community, and CIS working side by side to help children bloom in unlikely places.

“Compassion” by Brian Joseph –

• The Bydee people in this mural move together, much like our students and the communities that surround them. Their journey, like ours, is shaped by the love and understanding of those who refuse to let anyone walk alone. Separate from mural are six dynamic, 3D figures—symbolizing the idea that compassion is not static, but active. It is a choice we make in every moment, a force that propels us forward together.

“Pieces of Home” by Hope Hummingbird –

• The flight of the dove takes center stage. A universal symbol of peace, resilience and transformation, the dove represents our students, families and the strength of a community that lifts one another up. The artist collected leaves, stones and textures of tree bark from the Dove Springs neighborhood. The process of creating a mosaic is much like the work we do at CIS. We don’t discard what is chipped or broken. Instead, we see the potential in every piece, fitting them together with intention and care to build something strong.

“The Heroes Among Us” by Jair –

• This mural celebrates the everyday heroism that exists within every CIS student. Too often, students are defined by their challenges and needs or the barriers they face. But here, we see them for what they truly are—brave, strong, and full of potential. The mural captures a moment of transformation—three children putting on superhero masks—not to become something new, but to reveal who they have been all along.

Second Floor

“Woven Wings of Gratitude” by Fabian Rey

• A serene image of a Dove, resting near a spring, is a reflection of Dove Springs itself—a place of renewal, resilience, and deep community roots. Hidden within the mural is a woven word PROUD—an intentional connection to the rooftop mural GRATEFUL, which carries the same theme of weaving community and history together.

“The Healer” by Ruben Esquivel –

• This mural is a tribute to the healers among us—our team members, educators and mentors—who do the quiet work of restoring what has been broken. When we think of healing, we often think of the physical—the body mending itself, the wounds we can see. But true healing runs much deeper.

Look closely, and you’ll find the Mayan alphabet woven into the background, a deliberate connection to ancestral knowledge, to the stories written long before us, to the wisdom carried forward through time.

 

Transformación” by Fabian Rey –

• The interactive mural portrays personal and collective change as a journey of growth and renewal. Through color, symbolic forms and active public participation, the piece celebrates our ability to adapt and continuously evolve.

“The Matriarch” by Ruben Esquivel –

• This portrait honors the origins of this land, the first people who held coming-of-age ceremonies in the creek behind this building. It also is a tribute to the women who walk this path today—mothers, grandmothers, caregivers—the unseen pillars of strength in our students’ lives.

“Rhythm of Play” by Fabian Rey

• Through play, children develop resilience, problem-solving skills and emotional strength. In this installation, the drums weave into the sound of laughter, reminding us that childhood is a sacred rhythm—one that must be protected, nurtured, and celebrated. The colors of this soundwave are no accident. They match the warmth of body heat, a visual testament to the connection between laughter and life itself. This installation is a celebration of the fact that childhood, in all its laughter and motion, is a rhythm worth preserving.