Parkland art teacher Kristi Robbins led the Orefield Middle School Art Club in making a huge mural that has been installed on a building at 9th and Tilghman Sts., Allentown.

Called the Spirit of Hope mural, 500 students took part in the project over the last eight years.

The goal was to make a mural for the community.

In interviews with community members, the students were asked to provide images that reminded people of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Over the years, the mural also took on images depicting the revitalization of Allentown, its unique and historical architecture, and is inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., thus named the Spirit of Hope.

This community art project is a collaboration between Parkland students, Allentown residents and students at the YMCA.

The mural was designed to spark a sense of joy for all who walk or drive by it.

Matt Halm was the project’s lead mural installer and Joseph Hernandez was the masonry contractor.