PS 60Q: Make Each Day Your Masterpiece

“Today we are celebrating our fourth graders. Proud of your creativity, your passion, your teamwork on this beautiful mural, in partnership with Thrive Collective. This artwork is more than just paint on a wall, it’s a reflection of their voices, their imagination, and pride in our community.” – Principal Orsini Fox at PS60’s mural ribbon cutting ceremony.

Veteran Thrive Teaching Artist Marissa Molina and fourth graders from PS 60 celebrated masterpiece lives with a new mural in the school auditorium. NYC Council Member Joann Ariola sponsored the Queens collaboration with after school students who helped design and paint the mural. They infused the discussions with vibrant imagery—pianos, actors on stage, ballet dancers, the 5 basic geometric forms (cube, sphere, cylinder, pyramid, cone), and more. Once the painting started, their energy only grew. They couldn’t wait to bring their own designs to life, filling the auditorium with color and movement.

The final mural is a celebration of artistic passion, featuring moving piano keys and theater performances on the left side, capturing the essence of music and
drama. A flowing trail of paint spills across the mural, leading to a central paint palette alongside the school’s name and the uplifting words, “Be Brave.” On the center right, a student molds clay on a pottery wheel, while others paint and play the drums. A rainbow of musical notes dances across the composition, intertwined with hearts—an apple and flowers represent art in nature. Further along, a canvas proudly displays the words “Be Yourself,” reinforcing the
message of self-expression. A record etched with the school’s guiding phrase, “Make each day your masterpiece,” stands prominently, alongside a microphone
and playful, classic building block shapes.

As the mural came to life, so did the students’ sense of pride. Even those who were initially hesitant found themselves drawn into the process, eager to add their brushstrokes to the collaborative masterpiece. Teachers and students alike marveled at how the artwork transformed the space, filling the auditorium with the same joy and energy that music and the arts bring to the world. By the time the final touches were completed, it was clear—the mural was more than just a painting. It was a testament to the creativity, courage, and passion of the students who made it happen.