By Brian W. Carter for Los Angeles Sentinel
Originally published June 3, 2026
Audubon Middle School recently unveiled a new, large-scale artwork created by acclaimed muralist Mike Norice, a Watts native, who has done murals throughout Los Angeles Unified schools. The ribbon was cut on the mural, which reflects the neighborhood and diversity.
“Today is a very special day at Audubon as we unveil a mural that has transformed more than just a wall. It has transformed a space and a feeling on our campus,” said Audubon Middle School Principal, Deanna Hardemion.
“For years, this large, huge blank wall felt very institutional and empty. It was something from the very beginning, I wanted to have some type of mural.”
School leaders say the mural, part of the UTLA’s “Revitalizing School Spaces” initiative, celebrates unity, diversity, and student voices in a neighborhood where public schools often serve as cultural anchors.
Lee Harrington, Audubon Community Schools coordinator, wrote the grant for the mural. She shared a little about the process and the finished product.
“It took a lot of work and dedication,” said Harrington. “I did not know that I was competing with everybody across the state of California.”
Harrington continued, “I’m beyond happy because I told him what my vision was, I wanted something that represented our diverse culture here. We have students that are not able-bodied, we have students that struggle, he talked to the kids and worked with the kids.
“I’m appreciative of what he did for us.”
“It’s a warm, welcoming, vibrant and reflective of the students in the community that we serve,” said Hardemion. “Art has the power to tell stories, inspire belonging and help people feel seen.”
She continued, “This mural does exactly that, every day, our young students will walk past this artwork and be reminded that they belong here and that their experiences matter.”
Norice talked about his love for the community and the youth as a motivation in doing the murals.
“I work so close with the community because that’s something that’s really true to me,” said Norice. “I wouldn’t know what I’d do without my community members, students, just everyone who has helped and supported me throughout the years.”
He shared it took two weeks to complete the mural, which features colorful silhouettes of students and ends with Norice’s trademark character, “Powerful Paul.” He also shared his inspiration for the huge mural.
“Community, kids, color,” said Norice. “We wanted to make it active and youthful at the same time, not corny, we wanted to make it cool for the kids of all generations to come.”
Norice continued, “This really transcended this hallway from dull and stale, to colorful and active.”
Norice shared some advice for any young artist and muralist out there.
“Keep doing your thing, stay consistent and original,” said Norice.
For more information on Audubon Middle School, visit, www.audubonms.org
For more on Mike Norice, visit mikenorice.com
