Olmsted Mural Group

Reflecting back to October 2014 when the Olmsted Mural Group embarked on a month-long artist residency at Central Avenue School in Madison, NJ. Together, we transformed the hallways with a mural stretching over 130 linear feet, celebrating the 125th anniversary of Madison and the joys of being a student at Central Avenue School.

It was a collaborative effort involving over 450 children, 80 parent and teacher volunteers, and coordination with the entire school staff and administrators. Thanks to the generous legacy donations, the project was fully funded, allowing us to inscribe the names of students and families into the mural—a lasting tribute to the community's support.

As I reminisce about this incredible experience, I'm reminded of how far we've come. Central Avenue School marked my 21st school project back then—now, a decade later, I'm proud to say it's school number 89!

See the culmination of our month-long residency at Glenwood Elementary! Together with every student and over 100 parents, we've crafted a vibrant mural embodying the essence of this joy-filled school.

From the love of learning to the integration of arts in the curriculum, and the spirit of kindness, every brushstroke reflects the heart of Glenwood.

With a nod to 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio, a book deeply tied to this school, our mural stands as a testament to community and inspiration. Honored to have witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by local dignitaries, and moved by the heartfelt readings from 11 students who shared their connection to our project.

Celebrating 60 Years of Legacy and Creativity at Hillview Elementary!

We are thrilled to announce the completion of a new mural at Hillview Elementary School in Pompton Plains in February 2024, commemorating six decades of excellence and community spirit. The school mascot, the Golden Panther is so chill in our new mural.

Spanning 27 feet wide by 8 feet high, this vibrant piece graces the all-purpose room, enriching the school environment with scenes of local landmarks and cherished memories.

The fourth and fifth-grade students, alongside their dedicated parents, poured their hearts into bringing this cheerful vision to life.

Honoring a Journey of Creativity and Community

Throwing it back to just over one year ago in February 2023 when we had the privilege to once again collaborate with Hilltop Elementary School in Mendham, NJ!

The energy was electric as we embarked on our third project together, and the results speak volumes! From the walls of the school library, a vibrant transformation emerged, radiating creativity and positivity.

Imagine walking through halls adorned with uplifting quotes, clouds filled with student handprints, and colorful birds soaring overhead—a true celebration of imagination and unity.
We're honored to have been a part of this transformative journey and can't wait to see what the future holds for Hilltop Elementary!

Happy International Women's Day!

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women around the world. Here at the female founded and run Olmsted Mural Group, we're honored to showcase the incredible women who have made a significant impact on our history and society.

From Clara Barton, depicted in the St. Cloud Elementary mural, to St. Elizabeth of Seton, the patron saint of Catholic schools, widows, and seafarers, and the inspiring words of Amanda Gorman on our recent mural at Errickson School, these women embody the essence of empowerment and progress.

Let's continue to uplift and support women in all their endeavors, today and every day.

Happy International Women's Day!

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Let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of our all-time favorite commissioned works in ! From dancing cows in a "mooral" to vibrant florals and breathtaking landscapes, each piece holds a special place in our hearts. Here's a glimpse:
Dancing Cows in "Mooral": Who says cows can't bust a move? Our whimsical "mooral" brought joy and laughter to one lucky home with its quirky charm and lively energy.
Colorful Florals: Bursting with hues of every shade, our floral mural added a pop of color and a touch of nature to this charming space.
Scenic Landscape: Transporting viewers to serene vistas and tranquil settings, our scenic landscape transformed wine cellar walls into a vineyard.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Colorful hands means colorful walls!

Three years ago, we created our first mural at Littlebrook Elementary School in Princeton, New Jersey with their terrific students!

We are so happy to be back at Littlebrook to create more mural art together. More to come…

Three years ago, we had the privilege of creating a mural at Littlebrook Elementary School in Princeton, New Jersey with their terrific students. It's amazing how time flies – that mural captured a moment when my son, Ben, was just 6 years old, and now he's 22!

The memories and joy we experienced during that project are truly timeless.

Now we are thrilled to be back at Littlebrook Elementary to create more murals together! Stay tuned...

Olmsted Mural Group

Introducing our March 'Bird of the Month' painting with the poignant quote by Elna Rae: 'Where love grows, hope blossoms'.

Painted by Caren Frost Olmsted, this 14x18 acrylic on canvas piece from 2009 encapsulates the timeless essence of hope and love.

Matted prints are available. Reach out at [email protected].

Throwing it back to March 2020 at Memorial Junior School in Whippany, NJ.

Remembering the incredible mural project that filled the commons area with vibrant scenes and inspiring quotes.

From the adventures at Fairview Lakes YMCA Camp to the intricacies of hedgehogs and sports, every detail was a collective effort of 460 students and over 85 teachers and parents.
It's amazing how art can capture so many memories and passions in one place.

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During the pandemic, we found solace in creativity and decided to bring a piece of my mural at Westfield Memorial Library in Westfield, NJ into the homes of others.

I'm excited to share two coloring book pages inspired by that mural: one featuring a coy fox among flowers, and the other depicting a heartwarming scene with a happy rabbit and a hedgehog.

Coloring can be a soothing activity, and I hope these pages bring a bit of joy to your day. Feel free to download and enjoy them!

Hello everyone! We are thrilled to announce that I've been invited to join the Sussex County Library, Franklin Branch for a special talk about my journey to becoming a muralist, and our creative process at Olmsted Mural Group!
Date: February 22, at 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Sussex County Library, The Franklin Branch, 103 Main Street, Franklin, New Jersey.
I'll share my artistic journey and discuss the inspiration behind some of our latest works of the Olmsted Mural Group, including our community mural in Newton, New Jersey.
It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and dive into the world of murals and creativity together. I can't wait to meet you in person!