Bonneville High School is Getting a New Mural

Linken Newman
Staff Writer
  A new mural will brighten Bonneville High School’s (BHS) commons area thanks to Jason Coles initiative. After the commons recent face lit, which included updated flooring, ceiling and classroom, Jason Coles, the art teacher, saw an opportunity to provide a splash of color on the west facing brick wall by the A-wing entrance. The mural is planned to be completed by mid-December or early January. This should be the touch of color those grey commons needed.
  Coles has been teaching at BHS for almost 30 years. He began his education at Ricks College, now known as Brigham Young University-Idaho, before finishing his degree at Boise State University. He chose art for his major because he “love[s] to take a blank canvas and create something on it.” He really enjoyed teaching alongside this, so he decided to become a teacher. Throughout his teaching career, Coles has been commissioned for several murals throughout Southeast Idaho. His most recent was completed on August 1st, 2025 at the East Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot. Prior to that, between 2003 and 2004, he painted the Snake River High School’s mascot, a panther, creating a heavily detailed mural featuring the school’s colors that still adorns the building. Beyond his personal artwork, Coles is passionate about art education. Coles stated, “I think it’s really important to have an art class; art is crucial to society and also teaches you to be more creative.” Coles appreciates all art forms; however, painting holds a special place in his heart, particularly portraits of people. He considers color harmonies his greatest artistic strength, though he admits that drawing hands remains his biggest challenge.