FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN CÁRDENAS UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT
(949) 497-7700 EXT. 5232 | AURENO@LBUSD.ORG

June 5, 2026

Laguna Beach High School student artist creates new mural for dance studio

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Laguna Beach High School student Hudson Quarles, Class of 2026, has completed a new mural in the school's dance studio as part of a capstone project in the Art Entrepreneurship program.

Titled “Two Trees Jiggin'", the mural was funded through a grant from SchoolPower and developed through a collaboration between the LBHS Dance Program and Art Department. Quarles worked under the mentorship of local muralist Claire Pedroza and spent several months developing the design before beginning installation.

The project served as Quarles' real-world capstone experience, allowing him to apply artistic skills while working with a client, refining concepts, and managing a large-scale public art project from design through completion.

“My time spent in the dance program was, without a doubt, the highlight of my high school experience. I can’t begin to describe the significance that Mrs. Fratzke and her class left on me,” said Quarles. “She inspired me daily to be creative, driven and confident in who I am. I am beyond grateful to graduate while leaving a mark on the place that meant the most to me.”

Working with dance teacher Estee Fratzke, Quarles developed a design to create a welcoming, creative environment for students who use the space. The mural features two blue trees that sway beneath a radiant sun, while pink and purple leaves drift across the composition. The imagery brings color and movement into the dance studio, connecting the visual arts with the energy of dance.

“The mural has completely transformed the space. Watching Hudson’s vision come to life has been incredibly inspiring, and I know it will continue to have a positive impact on students for years to come,” said LBHS Dance Teacher Estee Fratzke. “Our goal was to create something that makes students feel welcome and encourages them to express themselves freely and authentically. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, and I am excited to see how Hudson continues to grow and develop as an artist in the years ahead.”The project will continue with the addition of stained-glass elements in the windows above the mural. When completed, the installation will incorporate natural light into the studio's overall artistic experience.

“SchoolPower was delighted to fund this project through our Educator Grants program. It provided a truly unique learning opportunity for a student to collaborate with a professional muralist and leave a lasting mark on a campus space that has played an important role in his journey at LBHS. These kinds of enriching, real-world experiences are what make our schools so special,” said SchoolPower Executive Director Sarah Durand. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated and creative teachers who envision and champion projects like this, helping students connect their passions to meaningful contributions within our community,” she concluded. 

The mural reflects the partnership between LBHS visual and performing arts programs and highlights opportunities for students to engage in authentic, project-based learning experiences supported by community partners.

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