This story begins the way many great ones do — with a simple idea and a meaningful phone call.

Earlier this year, Rathbun Insurance CEO Ben Rathbun picked up the phone and called Dustin Hunt, founder of Muralmatics, with a vision: “We want to paint a mural on the wall of our newly remodeled conference room,” he said.

Dustin didn’t hesitate. His reply?
“Let’s connect local arts-driven high schoolers and host an apprenticeship-style mural camp.”

From there, the project quickly took shape. Dustin reached out to Lhauren Singleton at Ready. Set. Aspire., and just like that — they were all in.

Together, Muralmatics and Ready. Set. Aspire. set out to find the right students — the ones this opportunity was designed for. Through community partnerships, online outreach, in-school business expos, and word of mouth, they recruited three remarkable young aspiring artists: Nevaeh, Arely, and Ivy.

As the planning progressed, Ben and Rathbun Insurance President Laura Stoken met with Dustin and Lhauren to imagine how this could become more than just an art project — a transformative

experience rooted in education, empowerment, and creativity.

Over spring break, that vision became reality. The mural camp launched, and over several days, the students dove deep into the mural-making process. Dustin guided them through each stage — from design to brushstroke — using his creative system that empowers young artists to take the lead.

Meanwhile, Ready. Set. Aspire. enriched the experience with a daily curriculum of lunch-and-learns and value-based activities. Local artists and entrepreneurs stopped by to share their journeys. Sessions ranged from financial management for creatives to mental health support in the arts. Ben even popped in with a worksheet and a mini-lesson on insurance considerations for art-based businesses, helping the students think through risk and protection for their future ventures.

The result? A bold, abstract mural anchored by our agency’s guiding words: “Being There Matters Most.” It now lives proudly on the wall of our conference room, flanked by our four vision symbols — a colorful, powerful reminder of what we stand for.

And last night, on May 20th, we hosted our first-ever gathering in the new space — a Mural Reveal Party for the artists, their families, and members of the community. It was moving to witness the pride in the students’ eyes as they showed their loved ones what they had created. The room was full of joy, hugs, and awe.

This mural is more than a piece of art. It’s a symbol of how collaboration, education, and heart can create something lasting. We are proud to have another mural on our building — and even more proud of the young artists, mentors, and leaders who made it possible.

Please join us in celebrating Nevaeh, Arely, and Ivy, along with Dustin Hunt, Lhauren Singleton, Muralmatics, and Ready. Set. Aspire. This partnership is proof of what’s possible when we pour into young people, believe in community-driven art, and live our values out loud.