Words of Worth

A National Mural Tour and Student Workshop Experience

Bring Connection, Creativity, and Worth to Your School

Your school has the opportunity to host a meaningful experience that combines large-scale art, student engagement, and a powerful message that helps students recognize their value and builds stronger community ties.

National artist Tim Gibson, founder of The Ten Thousand Flowers Project, will be visiting schools across the country to lead mural workshops in partnership with Worthwhile’s "Words of Worth" initiative.

This project brings schools and communities together create a lasting, visual reminder that each student matters.

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How It Works

Tim spends about two weeks at the school, starting with prepping the mural site, outlining the design, and leading painting workshops.

The mural is painted by students, teachers, parents, and community members (like a giant paint-by-numbers) usually during art class time.

Once the mural is complete, Tim and the school host a schoolwide assembly and unveiling, where he introduces the “Words of Worth” message.

About Our Partner: The Ten Thousand Flowers Project

Founded by artist Tim Gibson, the Ten Thousand Flowers Project is a nation-wide mural initiative that brings communities together through the creation of hundreds of interconnecting flower murals across all 50 states.

Each mural links visually to the one before it, like a giant, country-wide jigsaw puzzle connecting hundreds of schools and communities through art.

What makes this initiative even more unique is that each mural is painted with help from every student and teacher in the school – creating a growing symbol of creativity, connection, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond a single wall.

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Benefits of the Words of Worth Mural Workshop

Helps students recognize their personal worth and build pride through collaborative artwork

Promotes a positive school culture by fostering belonging, inclusion, and respect

Strengthens school and community connection through shared creative experience

Be a part of something bigger; each mural connects to others across the country

Request a Workshop

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Mural Workshop FAQ's

Starting on a Thursday, here’s a breakdown of the two-week process:

Thursday–Saturday: Tim arrives at the school and prepares the mural site. This includes sketching the mural design, laying out drop cloths, and getting all materials set up for the following week.

Monday–Friday: Student painting workshops take place.

Saturday–Monday: After students (along with any participating teachers or staff) have filled in the mural, Tim will complete final touch-ups, outline the design, and add finishing details. This includes signing the mural, painting the Ten Thousand Flowers Project (TTFP) tag and flower count, and adding the Worthwhile "6 Words of Worth" flower below the TTFP sign.

Tuesday: Once the mural is complete, Tim will collaborate with the school to host an unveiling ceremony or student assembly. Together, they will present the finished mural, share photos, and talk with students about the importance of discovering their passion and embracing their unique value.

Typically held during art class, students gather near the mural site where Tim introduces himself, explains the project, demonstrates how to use the paints, and answers any questions they may have.

After the introduction, each student receives a cup of paint and a brush, then is invited to find a section of the mural that matches their assigned color. This hands-on painting portion lasts about 20–30 minutes, depending on the length of the class.

About 5–10 minutes before the session ends, students return their paint and brushes to the workstation. The class then poses for a group photo in front of the mural, followed by a few minutes to clean up before returning to class.

In the past, a mural of this size would cost $6,000. Thanks to our partnership, we’re able to reach more students while reducing the cost to your school by half — bringing the total to just $3,000. This includes all supplies, such as paint, brushes, and other materials. To reserve your date, a 25% deposit is required, with the remaining balance due on the first day of the visit.

If cost is a concern, consider rallying support through sponsorships from local politicians, churches, businesses, or even students and their families. Other schools have gone after community grants or reached out to bank or foundation connections.

"Working with Tim on the Ten Thousand Flowers project has been a highlight of my art teaching journey. Tim was just a dream to work with; he was so patient and engaging with our students and truly brought our school together to create an amazing mural. The kids truly enjoyed their time working with him and he became a celebrity around the building! It was a wonderful experience and one that I would truly recommend to anyone who wishes to focus on unity and cooperation to transform a space. "

- Jennifer Alvarado, Art Teacher in Franklin, Tennessee

Ready to dive in deeper?

The mural workshop and assembly are just a glimpse of what the full Worthwhile Youth Curriculum offers. If you want to go deeper, equipping your students with lessons on safety, self worth, and boundaries, invite one of our trained facilitators to bring the complete Youth Curriculum to your students.

Youth Curriculum

Words of Worth

Words of Worth Giveaway

Bring Connection, Creativity, and Worth to Your School

How It Works

Tim spends about two weeks at the school, starting with prepping the mural site, outlining the design, and leading painting workshops.

The mural is painted by students, teachers, parents, and community members (like a giant paint-by-numbers) usually during art class time.

Once the mural is complete, Tim and the school host a schoolwide assembly and unveiling, where he introduces the “Words of Worth” message.

About Our Partner: The Ten Thousand Flowers Project

Benefits of the Words of Worth Mural Workshop

Helps students recognize their personal worth and build pride through collaborative artwork

Promotes a positive school culture by fostering belonging, inclusion, and respect

Strengthens school and community connection through shared creative experience

Be a part of something bigger; each mural connects to others across the country

Mural Workshop FAQ's

What is needed for a mural site?

How long will the installation take?

What’s the typical schedule for the mural project?

What happens during the workshop?

What is the cost of the workshop?

Request a Workshop

Ready to dive in deeper?