“Rainforest and Butterflies” was designed in partnership with The Trust for Public Land as part of its larger transformation of a vacant lot at PS 78 into a new community playground. Over 100 4th and 5th grade students collaborated with artists Yana Dimitrova and Amy Mahnick in the creation of the mural. Imagery is inspired by the students’ classroom study of the rainforest and its many different species of butterflies. Butterflies are also PS 78’s mascot. The mural supports the students’ vision for a vibrant natural green space in which to play and grow. Many of they young people recognized their sketches in the painted mural and felt extremely honored and proud of their work.