Some walls at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have been transformed into works of art. Each piece reflects creativity, collaboration and the spirit of discovery. Painted by Texas students, the murals honor the legacy of the International Space Station and 25 years of continuous human presence in space.
The International Space Station Program Mural Project began in 2022 as part of a broader effort to bring color and inspiration to the workplace while connecting classrooms to NASA’s mission.
“The mural collection is a reminder that today’s dreams can be tomorrow’s realities,” said Space Operations Mission Directorate Deputy Associate Administrator Joel Montalbano. “The future of space exploration depends on the imagination of our students.”
As NASA prepares for the next giant leap across Artemis, the artwork on the walls serves as a reminder that every mission begins with creativity and courage. This initiative continues to inspire the next generation to Dare | Unite | Explore. Although art allows for interpretation, each mural required careful planning, communication, and problem-solving, much like the work behind human spaceflight.
The most recent mural, “Dream Big,” was installed in the hallway leading to the International Space Station Program Suite on the fifth floor of Building 1. Created by Texas City High School students with the International Space Station Program Mission Integration and Operations Team, the artwork shows a grayscale child pulling back a curtain to reveal rockets, astronauts and bright planetary landscapes.
The design of the mural draws on both classical and modern art influences. Students drew inspiration from the impressionist style of Van Gogh and Banksy’s Behind the Curtain, combining movement and curiosity to reflect how imagination can open the door to exploration.
“The National Art Honor Society was honored to take on this inspiring project,” said Jennifer Massie, art teacher at Texas City High School. “They chose ‘Where Creativity Meets Reality’ to show how a child’s creative mind continues to move and evolve, and that with big dreams and hard work, children can follow in the footsteps of their heroes.”
What started as an idea between Gary Johnson, technical director of the International Space Station Mission Integration and Operations Office, and Raul Tijerina, then the program’s graphics manager, has grown into a gallery-sized initiative that connects science and creativity.
“We want students to have the unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of NASA through their works,” Johnson said. “These murals show that every mission begins with imagination and that the next generation of explorers is already helping to paint humanity’s future among the stars.”
Two murals now stand in the hallway of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory’s International Space Development Integration Laboratory, known as SDIL. The first, “Dream Explore Discover,” created by Friendswood High School students, was originally on display in Building 4 South. Led by art teacher Mandy Harris, more than 30 students designed and painted the 8-by-18-foot mural, beginning with sketches and brainstorming sessions to think about how the art could reflect human space exploration. The students combined their ideas into a single design celebrating the beauty and excitement of discovery.
Elements of the mural include an astronaut visor reflecting the Houston skyline, zinnias symbolizing life and science connecting beyond Earth, and a small floating teddy bear representing both the dreams of children gazing at the stars and generations of explorers who carried small keepsakes from home into space. It’s a reminder of the human heart behind every mission.
The mural also depicts the launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with NASA’s Orion spacecraft atop, en route to the next giant leap in exploration. Next to the capsule, the constellation Orion appears in the sky, symbolizing how the stars continue to guide humanity to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
“The Moon Now,” created by students from La Marque High School, Blocker Middle School and Giles Middle School, is also hosted at SDIL. The work depicts two astronauts on the lunar surface wearing Axiom spacesuits with mirrored visors that reflect the faces of the next generation who will return humanity to the Moon. The students’ individual works of the Milky Way and celestial objects were collaged into the final piece, creating a tapestry of imagination and exploration.
The remaining murals are installed in Building 4 South in Johnson. In 2023, the program expanded to include Dickinson High School, whose students created “A Starry Night,” a blend of Renaissance-style painting and modern space imagery. “Everyone wanted to participate,” said art teacher Jennifer Sumrall. “The kids loved it and did their own research into how each of NASA’s missions impacted the world.”
“Absolute Equality: Breaking Boundaries” by Houston artist Reginald C. Adams symbolizes unity and humanity’s shared future in space exploration. Two characters share a single helmet. Circuit-inspired designs surround faces and suggest the role of technology in connecting people around the world and beyond.
“Collaboration” was painted by La Marque High School students with art teacher Joan Finn and artist Cheryl Evans to depict the interconnected roles of visionaries, engineers, artists and astronauts in exploration. Constructed from 10 canvases stretched and bolted together – a nod to the assembly of the station over the course of more than 40 missions – the mural includes the space station crest at the bottom to represent the collaboration of the 15 countries involved.
NASA Johnson thanks Joel Montalbano, who championed student engagement that connects classrooms to mission work during his tenure as International Space Station program manager. The center also thanks Gary Johnson for designing the mural project and guiding its partnerships, Raul Tijerina for his early design leadership that set the standard, Gordon Andrews for opening the doors with behind-the-scenes tours, and the art educators for mentoring the students who brought each mural to life.
