Editor Note: If you are interested in attending this event, please reach out to me and I can help coordinate with the school to secure interviews and access to the school site. Thanks, James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
Franklin STEAM Elementary Unveils New Student-Created Mural Ahead of the New School Year
SAN DIEGO (JULY 28, 2026) — As students prepare to return to the classroom, Franklin STEAM Elementary School is welcoming the new school year with a vibrant new addition to its campus—a large-scale mural designed and painted by students in partnership with local artist German Corrales (@germancorralesarte), known as "The Butterfly Man."
The mural, to be unveiled Friday, July 31 at 12:00 p.m. at Franklin STEAM Elementary, located at 4481 Copeland Ave, San Diego, CA 92116. The mural is the culmination of a two-week collaboration during the school's Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) PrimeTime Summer Program. Approximately 150 students worked alongside the artist, learning mural-making techniques while helping create a lasting work of art that reflects the creativity, pride, and spirit of the Franklin STEAM community.
"This mural reflects the creativity, collaboration, and sense of belonging our students bring to our campus every day," said Heather Bice, Principal, Franklin STEAM Elementary. "Students helped create something that will welcome classmates, families, and staff for years to come. We are so grateful to City Height Music School and The Butterfly Man for working with our students to make this lasting impact on our campus."
Throughout the summer program, students explored the artistic process from concept to completion, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a permanent installation that will greet students and visitors as they return for the new school year.
Eduardo Orozco, a fifth grade student, said, “I like that the mural is nice and shows the evolution of the butterflies and our work on it together.” Sunshine Yang, a fourth grader, said that working on the mural has been, “so fun. Painting the butterflies makes me feel peace in my mind.”
The collaborative project highlights the role Expanded Learning Opportunities programs play in enriching student experiences through arts, creativity, and hands-on learning while strengthening connections to school and community.
The mural will serve as a lasting symbol of Franklin STEAM Elementary's commitment to innovation, creativity, and student voice, welcoming students back to campus with a space they helped create.
Visit SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more about the second largest school district in California.
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James Canning (He/Him)
Executive Director
Strategic Communications & Information
San Diego Unified School District
Mobile: 313-580-2845
Office: 619-725-5578
Email: Jcanning@sandi.net
4100 Normal Street
San Diego, CA 92103
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