Student Art Murals at NASA’s Johnson Space Center Celebrate 25 Years of Humanity in Space
At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, select walls have been transformed into vibrant works of art. These murals, painted by Texas students, embody creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of discovery. They honor the legacy of the International Space Station and mark 25 years of continuous human presence in space. The student art murals at Johnson serve as a colorful tribute to this remarkable milestone.
The International Space Station Program Mural Project began in 2022 as part of a larger effort to bring inspiration and color into the workplace. It also aims to connect classrooms with NASA’s mission, fostering a direct link between education and space exploration. Through this initiative, students contribute their artistic talents to celebrate human achievements in space.
Student Art Murals at Johnson Highlight Imagination and Exploration
One of the most recent additions to the collection is “Dream Big,” created by students from Texas City High School in collaboration with the International Space Station Program Mission and Program Integration team. Installed in 2025, this mural is located in the hallway leading to the International Space Station Program suite on the fifth floor of building 1. It depicts a grayscale child pulling back a curtain to reveal rockets, astronauts, and vibrant planetary landscapes. This imagery symbolizes how imagination can open the door to exploration.
The design of “Dream Big” draws inspiration from both classic and modern art. The students were influenced by Van Gogh’s impressionistic style and Banksy’s “Behind the Curtain.” Their work combines movement and curiosity to reflect the power of imagination in turning dreams into reality. Jennifer Massie, the art teacher at Texas City High School, said the National Art Honor Society was proud to take on this inspiring project. The students chose the theme “Where Creativity Meets Reality” to show how a child’s creative mind keeps evolving and how big dreams combined with hard work can lead to following in the footsteps of heroes.
This mural project began as an idea between Gary Johnson, a technical manager in the International Space Station Mission Integration and Operations Office, and Raul Tijerina, the program’s former building graphics lead. It has since grown into a gallery-sized initiative that bridges science and creativity. Johnson emphasized the importance of giving students the unique opportunity to contribute to NASA’s legacy through their artwork. He noted that these murals demonstrate that every mission starts with imagination and that the next generation of explorers is already helping to shape humanity’s future among the stars.
Expanding the Collection: More Student Art Murals at Johnson
The first mural in the project, “Dream Explore Discover,” was created in 2022 by students from Friendswood High School. This 8-by-18-foot mural is now displayed in the hallway of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory’s International Space Development Integration Laboratory (SDIL). Under the guidance of art teacher Mandy Harris, more than 30 students designed and painted the mural. Their process began with sketches and brainstorming sessions focused on how art could reflect human space exploration. The final design celebrates the beauty and excitement of discovery.
“Dream Explore Discover” features several symbolic elements. An astronaut’s visor reflects the Houston skyline, while zinnias represent life and the connection of science beyond Earth. A small floating teddy bear symbolizes the dreams of children who look up to the stars and the generations of explorers who carried tokens of home into space. The mural also depicts the launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft on top, heading toward the next giant leap in exploration. The Orion constellation appears in the sky, symbolizing how the stars continue to guide humanity’s journey to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Another mural at the SDIL, “The Moon Now,” was created by students from La Marque High School, Blocker Middle School, and Giles Middle School. It shows two astronauts on the lunar surface wearing Axiom spacesuits with mirrored visors reflecting the faces of the next generation who will carry humanity back to the Moon. This piece incorporates individual student artworks of the Milky Way and celestial objects, forming a tapestry of imagination and exploration.
In building 4 south at Johnson, additional murals enrich the space. Dickinson High School students contributed “A Starry Night” in 2023, blending Renaissance-style painting with modern space imagery. Art teacher Jennifer Sumrall noted that many students wanted to be involved and enjoyed researching how NASA’s missions impact the world.
Houston artist Reginald C. Adams created “Absolute Equality: Breaking Boundaries,” a mural symbolizing unity and humanity’s collective future in space exploration. It features two figures sharing a single helmet, surrounded by circuitry-inspired patterns that highlight technology’s role in connecting people globally and beyond.
La Marque High School students, along with art teacher Joan Finn and artist Cheryl Evans, painted “Collaboration.” This mural illustrates the interconnected roles of visionaries, engineers, artists, and astronauts in space exploration. Constructed from ten stretched canvases bolted together—a nod to the assembly of the space station across more than 40 missions—the mural includes the space station patch at the bottom, representing the collaboration of the 15 countries involved.
NASA Johnson expresses gratitude to Joel Montalbano, who championed student engagement connecting classrooms to mission work during his time as International Space Station Program manager. The center also thanks Gary Johnson for conceiving the mural project and guiding its partnerships, Raul Tijerina for his early design leadership, Gordon Andrews for facilitating behind-the-scenes tours, and the art educators who mentored the students bringing each mural to life.
These student art murals at Johnson not only celebrate 25 years of humanity in space but also inspire future generations to dream big, explore boldly, and continue the journey of discovery beyond our planet.
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Source: original article.