When you walk into the nursery at Trinity Reformed Church, the once-plain white walls are now bursting with color, filled with trees, animals and a big bright sun. The mural, still in progress, is already transforming the space into something more than a room; it’s becoming a vision of joy and faith meant to embrace the church’s youngest members.
One side of the nursery mural will show a cheerful bear and a playful fox among the rolling green hills, while colorful hot air balloons drift upward into the sky. At the center of this scene are the words from Matthew 22:37: “Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul.” On the opposite wall, a bright golden sun rises over the hills, with “Let your light shine,” written beside the sun.
The mural project first began in the spring semester, when initial sketches and base colors were laid down in the nursery. After pausing over the summer, the work picked back up again this fall with renewed energy, as students returned to continue the painting and bring more detail and life to the design.
It is still a work in progress, with more color and detail yet to be added with Dr. Wacker, who is helping lead this project. Students are invited to volunteer and contribute their own brushstrokes, particularly on the two murals on either side of the nursery walls. This collaborative approach not only brings the artwork to life but also gives students a chance to leave a lasting mark on a space that will welcome children for years to come.
What makes this project especially striking isn’t only the mural’s imagery but also the group of Northwestern students who volunteered their time and energy to help bring the design to life. Armed with brushes and steady hands, they filled in trees, skies, and hills, transforming blank walls into a storybook landscape. Their presence added positive energy and a sense of shared ownership to the project.
As part of the project, students weren’t just painting. They were learning the craft behind the process. They were guided in choosing the right brushes for different strokes and textures, from fine detailing to broader color fills. They also learned how many layers of paint are needed to make each color vibrant and lasting, as well as how to sketch and outline the design before laying down the first strokes of paint. This hands-on teaching made the mural not only a collaborative artwork piece but also a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.
As far as church murals go, this one gets nearly everything right. The style is simple yet effective bold lines, child-friendly characters, and colors that pop without overwhelming. It’s playful enough for toddlers but layered with meaning for adults. The students’ careful brushwork helped preserve this balance, showing both their skill and their dedication.
When asked about their experience, several students mentioned that they genuinely enjoyed working on the mural, adding that the project was especially memorable because many of them had never painted on such a large scale before.
The choice to place scripture at the mural’s center is bold and inspired. Too often, children’s spaces rely solely on imagery. Here, the large, clear words remind every child,and every adult,that faith begins with love. The surrounding illustrations amplify that message rather than distract from it.
In terms of aesthetics, the mural shines. The palette is thoughtful: greens and blues convey calm, oranges and yellows bring warmth, and the mountains provide both depth and serenity. The simple, contemporary style mirrors the look of children’s books and cartoons, ensuring that kids instantly connect with it.
Step by step, the mural at Trinity Reformed Church is taking shape, and once complete, it will be a cheerful addition to the church for years to come.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NAOMI JOHNSON
New mural at Trinity Church
