“Being There Matters Most” // Mural Camp // Spring 2025

529 West Saginaw Street // Lansing, Michigan

Approximately 40’ W X 9’ H // latex and spray paint

"Being There Matters Most" is a mural project designed and co-facilitated by Muralmatics and Ready Set INSPIRE and embodies each organization's community-responsive approach to impactful youth programming. Commissioned by Rathbun Insurance, a locally rooted and community-centered business, it brightens a newly renovated office and actively involved local youth in its creation. 

The design for this mural was developed by Muralmatics director Dustin Hunt, over several conversations and revision sessions with Rathbun staff. Once finalized, students were brought together for a mural camp, a week-long spring break program facilitated in collaboration with Ready Set INSPIRE, an organization that supports high school students in building personal agency and strong relationships.

Students engaged in movement exercises, painting tutorials, and public art-specific topics such as contracts and proposals. They participated in reflective activities that helped them design personal wellness plans, supported by guest speakers who modeled balanced, purpose-driven lives. These speakers included entrepreneurs, artists, and business professionals.

As students developed skills and confidence working on an active job site, the wall became a colorful, vibrant reflection of Rathbun's driving belief: being there matters most. The mural is both a visual expression of that value and a product of a process centered on mentorship, wellness, and collective care.

This mural reflects the values of partnership and collaborative efforts that when combined, amplify impact for everyone involved. This mural is part of a larger practice that responds to the physical space, partner mission and lived experience of youth participants.