Northeastern Illinois University, Hayt Elementary Unveil New Mural

Northeastern Illinois University’s Mural Painting course, led by Instructor Chantala Kommanivanh, unveiled a new mural, titled “Together We Shine,” at Chicago Public Schools’ Stephen K. Hayt Elementary School.

A mural unveiling ceremony was held at Hayt Elementary, 1518 W. Granville Ave., in Chicago on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The mural celebrates cross-educational collaboration and the power of public art to bring communities together.

The partnership stemmed from Ronald Hale, a STEM teacher at Hayt Elementary, and Kommanivanh, who teaches in the University’s Department of Art + Design. 

“We are grateful for our partnership with Northeastern Illinois University’s Department of Art + Design and their student artists,” said Hale, a Chicago native who teaches Hayt Elementary students in Pre-K through 8th grade. “Through this collaboration, our students can see how art connects history, identity, community and imagination. Together, Hayt and NEIU are helping create something lasting — a mural that celebrates where we have been, who we are, and the future we are building together.”

The mission and vision of Hayt Elementary is to foster a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where every student is empowered to grow. Through high expectations and shared accountability, Hayt Elementary prepares its students to reach their full potential as critical thinkers, lifelong learners and engaged community members. Hayt Elementary opened in 1907 and is located in Chicago’s Edgewater community. Named for a U.S. soldier who died in service to the United States, the school carries a history rooted in service, community and civic pride. Today, Hayt Elementary continues that legacy as a beautifully diverse neighborhood school, welcoming students and families from many racial, cultural, linguistic and economic backgrounds.

Kommanivanh, who led four Northeastern Art + Design students in the creation of the mural, has exhibited his work in galleries and museums all across the U.S. and internationally, including at the National Art Museum of China, Minnesota Museum of American Art and Herbert J. Johnson Museum of Art. Kommanivanh is also the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as the 2009 Union League Civic and Arts Foundation award, and is a two-time awardee of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Advance Opportunity Program Fellowship. 

“Through planning and making a painted mural, students learn how to communicate stories through color, symbolism and visual motifs while developing technical skills in mural design and production,” said Kommanivanh, who has been teaching at Northeastern since 2012. “The course covers every stage of the mural-making process, from transforming concepts into composition.”

The Department of Art + Design teaches visual arts in ways that promote knowledge and critical understanding of art. Students learn a variety of skills and are empowered to express concepts and pursue professional careers in the arts, including teaching. The Department offers three sequences leading to Bachelor of Arts degrees (Studio Art, Art History and Art Education, K-12) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. The Department is home to seven state-of-the-art studios (Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking and Letterpress, Photography, Design) and lab spaces (Fab, Mac). The Design Studio features the largest collection of Riso drums at any university in Chicago. The Department also curates exhibition spaces, including the Fine Arts Center Gallery, which showcases work from students, faculty and visiting artists throughout the year.

“The missions of Hayt Elementary and Northeastern are similar in that both schools want students to feel welcomed, supported and given the resources they need to be successful,” said Chair of the Department of Art + Design Kim Ambriz. “One of the many reasons this project is so great is because Northeastern students were able to understand the culture and young students at Hayt. Now, Chantala and the Northeastern students who worked on this mural can take pride in knowing that young people and employees at Hayt will pass this piece of art each day and may be inspired by what they’ve created.”

The 12-foot by 8-foot mural will be located on Hayt Elementary’s third floor and will honor the school’s diversity and vibrant community.

“Our goal at Hayt is to create a welcoming environment that reflects our student body,” said Hayt Elementary’s Principal Chris Twomey. “We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity and partnership with Northeastern Illinois University. This mural beautifies our school while sending a meaningful message. The mural, 'Together We Shine,' perfectly captures what we strive to accomplish every day at Hayt, that we are a community that rises together.”  

Top photo (from left to right): Hayt Elementary Assistant Principal Thanh Nguyen, Chicago 46th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Hayt Elementary Principal Chris Twomey, Northeastern Instructor Chantala Kommanivanh, Northeastern Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Tim Libretti, Hayt Elementary STEM Teacher Ronald Hale, Northeastern Department of Art + Design Chair Kim Ambriz and Northeastern students at the unveiling of the mural, "Together We Shine."