Middlesex College Artists Bring Outdoor Theater Space to Life at Edison School
The new mural at Lindeneau Elementary School inspires creativity, literacy, and student expression.
(l-r) Chelsea Calderon-Suarez and Gabrielle Willis
Through a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Grant awarded by #EngageNJ and AmeriCorps, Middlesex College students partnered with Lindeneau Elementary School in Edison to create a vibrant outdoor mural designed to inspire creativity, literacy, and student expression.
The project was one of two community service initiatives funded through the grant secured by Middlesex College Director of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships Charlotte Quigley.
“What made the project especially meaningful was the partnership itself,” said Quigley, who has worked with Lindeneau in the past. “There’s a shared commitment to community, learning, and opportunity that makes collaboration easy. Seeing our students, faculty, staff, and community members come together to transform a blank wall into something colorful, welcoming, and inspiring was a powerful reminder of what service can accomplish.”
The mural transforms an exterior wall into an inviting outdoor theater space, featuring a colorful stage-curtain design that creates a backdrop for performances, classroom presentations, and other educational activities.
“The space can now be used by classes in various ways, allowing our students to find their creativity, take part in Reader’s Theater to build fluency, conduct poetry readings, talent shows, and so much more,” said Principal Don Platvoet, reflecting on the impact of the project.
The mural came to life through a collaborative effort between the College and the elementary school. Middlesex College Visual, Media, and Performing Arts Chair Annie Hogan recommended Middlesex alumna and 2026 Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts graduate Emma Kovalewich to serve as lead muralist.
“This project gave me the chance to expand my art practice in a new and meaningful direction,” said Kovalewich. “Working alongside the volunteers made the experience even more special. I hope the finished work becomes something families can enjoy – a way to remember their children’s time at the school and feel connected to the community – for years to come.”
After the design was traced onto the wall using an overhead projector, student volunteers Andy Cruz, Dylan Rota, Gabrielle Willis, Katie Nguyen, and Ysabella Tudtud, as well as Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships Department Assistant Chelsea Calderon-Suarez, gathered over multiple painting days throughout May and early June to complete the project. The collaboration embodies the spirit of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by bringing together students, educators, artists, and community partners to create something lasting for future generations of learners.
“This project is exactly the kind of work Dr. King’s legacy encourages us to pursue, one that brings people together and creates something positive for others,” said Quigley.
