DONATION MURALS

“Through Big Sky Countries, I’ve seen how art can unite children and communities around the world, bringing joy, color, and inspiration to blank spaces.” – Nichole Blackburn, Founder

Lamu, Kenya Donation Mural at Anidan Shelter

Lamu, Kenya (Dec 2024) – Anidan Children’s Facility
Anidan provides shelter and care for more than 150 children and supports over 280 with food, clothing, education, and healthcare. Together with staff and children, we created a mural celebrating the local environment—featuring mango and baobab trees, the ocean, and a radiant sunrise sky. The project concluded with a holiday Art Party for 120 staff, children, doctors, and friends, filled with local food, music, face painting, dancing, and live entertainment. Special thanks to Corrie Wingate for your guidance, with deepest gratitude to Eliza Roberts and Valorie Aquino for your generous support, and to Sarah Puppini-Zaft for the invaluable connection.

Costa del Oro, Colombia (May 2022) – Costa del Oro Zenu Indigenous School                     

This project was especially meaningful as it marked the first time a foreigner had come to the community to donate to the Zenu Indigenous elementary school. Teachers, students, local artists, and community members all joined together to bring the mural to life. Schoolchildren were painted directly into the artwork, surrounded by local flowers, animals, and cultural symbols unique to the Zenu community. The mural concluded with a vibrant Art Party for the entire community, complete with local food, live music, face painting, dance performances, and entertainment. A second celebration was also held at another school, where over 150 children and staff enjoyed food, toys, and entertainment. Special thanks to Ingrid, Patricia, and Nivia and the entire staff; Julio Anachury and Sebastian Pinturas for sharing their painting talents; and to Suzy and family for their invaluable connection and lodging.

Galle, Sri Lanka (Oct 2019) – Ingear “Class of Hope” for Differently-Abled Teens                      

A school dedicated to teaching practical life skills for youth with disabilities received over 250 feet of murals, including a 200-foot sky mural along the garden walls and a 50-foot interior mural celebrating Sri Lankan culture, the ocean, local animals, and landscapes. Children actively participated by priming and painting, adding flowers and foliage to the vibrant scenes. Donations also provided a new refrigerator and blender for the school kitchen, supporting healthier meals.The project concluded with a joyful Art Party for 75 parents, staff, and children, complete with local food, music, face painting, line dancing, and live character entertainment.

Special thanks to Dale and Sabrina Rennie and your community for your generous support, care, and lodging.

Quito, Ecuador (Apr 2016) – Escuela Quintiliano Sanchez Elementary School
A 40-foot playground mural was donated to this local elementary school, celebrating Ecuador’s culture with vibrant scenes of native children, Galapagos landscapes, local flora and fauna, and the nation’s love of sports. In addition, an Art Party was hosted for 50 children and staff at Remar Orphanage, complete with live music, pizza, drinks, and face painting. Special thanks to Carolyn & Josh Memmott and Aaryn Basler for their generous support, facilitation, and hospitality.

Nosara, Costa Rica (Jan 2011) – Serapio Lopez Elementary School
A total of 150 feet of murals were donated, including a vibrant sunset sky with a jungle scene of local animals painted on a newly built wall that both hosted the mural and provided much-needed privacy for the school—where previously prisoners could look directly into the classrooms. A second mural featured a whimsical tree decorated with local children’s handprints, adding a personal and playful touch. The project concluded with a community celebration, complete with pastries and drinks for the children and their families. Special thanks to Emily & Spencer Klein for their generous support, connection, and lodging.

Sucre, Bolivia (Apr 2008) – Instituto Psicopedagógico Hospital
A specialist hospital providing care and mental health services for children and adolescents received a 60-foot interior mural in its recreation room, filled with vibrant scenes of local children, animals, and a glowing sunset sky. Residents and doctors joined in, painting flowers and animals to leave their own special touches on the wall. Special thanks to Vivian Lu (Peace Corps) for her generous support, connection, and lodging.

Manila, Philippines (Oct 2007) – Nayon Ng Kabataan Welfare Compound
A residential facility providing care and shelter for children who have been abused, orphaned, abandoned, neglected, or exploited received a 65-foot dining hall mural titled “Barrio Fiesta.” The mural celebrated Filipino culture with children painted as characters alongside a colorful jeepney bus and traditional dance scenes, and it gained recognition from local officials and media. The project concluded with a lively Art Party for 120 children and staff, complete with local food, music, a dance instructor, face painting, and entertainment. Special thanks to Pia Sta. Romana See for the connection and to Andrea Capranico for documenting the project.

Dublln, Ireland (Aug 2007) – Cranford Elementary School
A 15-foot playground mural depicted children playing at the beach, blending a vibrant sunset sky with scenes of underwater sea life. Students joined in by adding their own brushstrokes and participating in outdoor art classes, making the project a true community effort. Special thanks to Lori Blackburn for the connection and lodging.

Phuket, Thailand (July 2007) – Doowrong Wittaya Elementary School
The very first international mural—a 60-foot music room wall—featured students in traditional attire, playing sports, and making music. Children and staff actively joined in the process, with several students even painted directly into the mural itself, creating a lasting and personal connection. Special thanks to Don Battles for his generous support, connection, and lodging.

“At Big Sky Countries, every brushstroke is a reminder that we share one sky. With your support, we bring this message of unity to children’s facilities worldwide.”

United States Donation Murals: 

  • Los Angeles: Lomita, CA (September 2021) – Fleming Middle School Cafeteria            

    A whooping 200ft of mural work donated over two large cafeteria walls celebrating cultural diversity and eating healthy with paintings of international foods reflecting the students and their diverse backgrounds.

  • Los Angeles: San Pedro, CA (June 2021) – Bandini Elementary School                        

    200ft playground garden mural featuring a vibrant blue sky with a gardening theme. 

  • Los Angeles: Hawthorne, CA (May 2021) – Mychal’s Learning Place                            

    175ft sky mural for two music rooms featuring a vibrant blue sky with a musical theme. Special thanks to the women at Sandpipers for volunteering.

  • Los Angeles: Wilmington, CA (Aug 2019) – Hawaiian Avenue Elementary
    35-foot science building mural, “Space & Science,” featuring a solar system, equations, and science tools. Students added ideas and painted details.

  • Los Angeles: Lomita, CA (Dec 2018) – Eschelman Avenue Elementary
    210-foot “College Bound” playground mural featuring children’s journey from elementary to graduation. Included portraits of actual students and staff. Thanks to Erika Link and volunteers.

  • Los Angeles: Wilmington, CA (Nov 2017) – Gulf Avenue Elementary
    60-foot mural transforming playground storage bins into vibrant ocean scenes with turtles, dolphins, coral, and a shipwreck. Special thanks to David Kooper.

  • Los Angeles: Torrance, CA (Feb 2016) – Pediatric Therapy Network (PTN)
    100-foot “Get Funky Jungle” mural in the waiting room. A retro sunset sky with animals and foliage. Special thanks to the women at Sandpipers for volunteering.

  • Trenton, NJ (July 2014) – Trenton Public Library
    260-foot children’s reading room mural, turning a windowless basement into a fantasy world of dragons, castles, and 3D trees. Thanks to Kimberly Matthews for your support, lodging and connection.

  • Newtown/Sandy Hook, CT (Oct 2013) – NYA Newtown Youth Association
    250 feet of murals: hallway silhouettes of children playing sports and a “Teamwork” sky mural in the Youth Room. Local teens and families painted together. Special thanks to Terry Sagedy & Alisa Farley for your support, connection, and lodging.

  • Los Angeles: Wilmington, CA (May 2012) – Gulf Avenue Elementary
    100-foot ocean-themed playground mural with orcas, fish, and coral. Students drew photos of the fish they wanted in the mural. Featured on National Geographic’s “The Good Traveller.” Special thanks to David Kooper.

  • Atlanta, GA (Aug 2010) – Covenant House Georgia
    60-foot mural in partnership with Alliance Theatre, symbolizing the teens’ journey from homelessness to independence. Teens painted alongside actors; covered by local media. Special thanks to Jeannie Shemilt for your time volunteering and painting.

  • Los Angeles: Torrance, CA (Oct 2008) – OTTP Youth Facility
    75-foot full-room mural titled “Safe Place,” painted with teens over 8 weeks as part of art therapy sessions. The sky transitioned from day to night, reflecting their healing journey. Special thanks to Elizabeth Carley and Natasha Earling.

  • New Orleans, LA (Aug 2008) – Gauthier Elementary
    100-foot cafeteria mural created one year after Hurricane Katrina, transitioning from sunset to bright skies. Children and volunteers added details. Special thanks to Kids Around the World for your support, collaboration and facilitation.

  • Los Angeles: Long Beach, CA (May 2005) – Stars Behavioral Health Group
    First donation mural: a 20-foot therapy room wall incorporating children’s drawings of personal symbols like a cherry blossom tree and a key on a cord. Special thanks to Jessica Placich.

“One sky, countless communities—your generosity makes the connection possible.”

Other Donation Projects

  • Redondo Beach, CA (2006 & 2018) – Ron Kooper Fine Art Scholarships at Redondo Union High School, Nichole’s alma mater. $500–$1,000 awards honored her mentor and art teacher, Ron Kooper.

  • Manila, Philippines (2012 & 2013) – Parties for children at Nayon Ng Kabataan Orphanage, with hip-hop dance, games, and meals.

  • Lawndale, CA (2012) – Art class for 4th graders at Mark Twain Elementary; students created mini canvases to gift their families.

  • Hermosa Beach, CA (2010–2011) – Live mural painting at Summer Concerts and Hermosa Art Walk, where community members joined Nichole to paint live art.

  • West Hollywood, CA (2010)Every Monday Matters fundraiser with Forest Whitaker. Participants painted mini canvases reflecting what mattered most to them.

  • Cebu, Philippines (2008) – Party for children at a local orphanage with art supplies, face painting, and activities.

  • Palos Verdes, CA (2006) – Donation mural for Montessori School International Children’s Festival.


Big Sky Countries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization