Painting Possibility: NESA Students Finish New Mural in Lebanon Tunnel
On Friday, August 29, our students wrapped up the first week of school by completing a vibrant new mural in the Lebanon Pedestrian Tunnel—a key part of the Mascoma River Greenway connecting Hanover and Lebanon. The mural features the monarch butterfly, our school’s mascot and a powerful symbol of transformation and resilience.
Commissioned by the Lebanon Recreation Department, this project was designed and painted entirely by NESA students. They led every step of the creative and logistical process—exactly the kind of hands-on, cross-disciplinary learning that defines a NESA education.
“When a monarch is in its chrysalis, you can’t help it emerge,” said our founder and Head of School Jennifer Chambers. “It needs to do that work itself in order to fly. That’s a perfect metaphor for our students’ journey as creative learners.”
We’re so thankful to Kristine Flythe and the Lebanon Arts & Culture Commission for supporting this project and for making downtown public art such a vibrant part of our community.
“The Commission has been thrilled to have various community members over the past three years install artwork that inspires artists and helps to create a space that is welcoming and vibrant,” Kristine shared. “We’re thrilled NESA students and staff were able to participate with their latest installation.”
This mural isn’t just a beautiful piece of public art—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when young people are trusted with real creative responsibility and given the support to bring their ideas to life.
Come See the Mural—And Learn More About NESA
If you’re curious about what a NESA education looks like in action, we’d love to show you. We’re accepting rolling admissions for students in grades 6–12, and we’re hosting an Open House on Saturday, September 20 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Drop in any time to meet our faculty, explore our City Campus, and learn how we integrate arts and academics in a truly unique way. RSVP Here
We can’t wait to meet you.