Something magical happened in the Dragon’s Den - and, this time, it actually had nothing to do with what Chef Alexis and her SAGE team, put on the menu. Tucked away in the heart of the school, the Dragon’s Den, our community gathering space and café, was transformed into a vibrant studio where art wasn’t confined to easels or canvases; it flowed easily across walls and united the entire community. At the center of this creative revolution was our Artist in Residence, Armando Silva, affectionately known as ARTmando.

I enjoyed sharing stories and creating with the students at ISDenver. The culture and overall energy at ISDenver is something to celebrate. I am thankful for my time there and the refreshing perspective when it comes to working with students from so many different backgrounds. I appreciate the time and space to pour my artistic skills while also feeling like I was able to work with so much support and intention from the staff. The amount of compassion that is demonstrated without losing sight of student excellence and individuality is something to cheer for. Thank you again ISDenver for the invitation to create with you. 

-Armando Silva

Armando doesn’t just paint walls—he uses art as a megaphone to share voices, tell stories, and build connections. Inspired by the word “Somos,” Spanish for “We are,” he embarked on a mural project that is as much about collaboration as it is about creativity. With the theme of “Somos,” the mural is designed to encapsulate the spirit, culture, and identity of ISDenver. But this isn’t a project dictated by a lone artist; it’s a living, breathing canvas for all of us.

Armando began by inviting students and staff into the creative process, sharing three bold and dynamic mural concepts. Each concept burst with vibrant colors, powerful symbols, and echoes of our school’s heart and soul. In an extraordinary moment of communal creativity, everyone—from the youngest learners to seasoned faculty—cast their votes, offered feedback, and sparked creative ideas that continue to shape the mural’s design.

Students were a part of the entire process. With every brushstroke and every splash of color, the mural came to life—layer by layer, story by story. Students visited the Dragon’s Den, not only to admire Armando’s work but to engage with it and to work alongside Armando. They asked questions, shared ideas, sketched alongside him, and some even added their own creative touches. 

As the mural began to come to life, Armando wrote a story as the grid guidelines for that read “once upon a time, a long long long long…..time ago.” This piqued the curiosity of our students. When they asked him about it, he used it as an opportunity to ask them in return about their own interpretation of the mural. The mural shows two kids, twins, holding a globe, but when students try and interpret more to the story Armando encouraged them to “let the universal stem from the specific.” 

The meaning behind “Somos” is as profound as the process that brought it to life. Much like a palindrome that reads the same forwards and backwards, “Somos” reflects how every one of us contributes to each other’s identity. It’s a visual reminder that we exist through one another—giving, receiving, and reflecting the diverse tapestry of our cultures, stories, and voices. Throughout the creation process, Armando explained “Somos” to students like a swing going back and forth, bringing the concept of reciprocity to life - give and take, back and forth.

Equally talented poet as he is muralist, Armando wrote a Somos poem to complement the mural. Ingeniously designed, the poem offers two reading experiences in one: viewers can either read all the words in sequence or focus solely on those highlighted in red for a different perspective.

When our students, faculty, and staff walk into the Dragon’s Den for lunch each day, they won’t merely see art hanging on a wall; they will see themselves and the vibrant community we create together. 

The 'Somos' mural leaves its mark beyond the paint on our hands—it captures our identity on these walls. Watching Armando work has been remarkable, especially his natural rapport with the children. It's been genuinely moving to witness this project take shape.

- Janet Yenter, Director of Community Engagement 

“Somos” was unveiled at a mural reveal party and celebration of our cherished time with ARTmando on Friday, April 25.

Somos artists. Somos dreamers. Somos Dragons.