Los Cerros Middle School in Danville debuted a new mural last week, as students returned to campus for the start of the 2025-26 school year.
The mural was created in June by local muralist and San Ramon Valley Unified School District parent John Osgood. Located at the campus entrance, it features a panther—the school’s mascot—set against school colors and a backdrop of Mount Diablo.
“This year, one of our goals was to bring some color and Panther pride to our campus,” said Los Cerros PTA president Kristin Wolff in a press release announcing the new artwork. “We envisioned a statement piece to welcome students, staff, and visitors alike.”
When recruiting artists, the PTA created a wish list of themes and reached out to eight candidates. According to the press release, the group selected Osgood for his creative approach, local connection, and experience painting murals for schools across the Bay Area.
Osgood’s work is known to blend bold colors, layered textures, and nature-inspired imagery. His murals can be found across the West Coast, from Alaska to California.
For Principal Andy Briggs, the Los Cerros mural represents a fresh and distinctive addition to the school’s 1960s-era exterior. “Projects like this give our community a sense of pride, and I hope it inspires more beautification efforts,” Briggs said. “It’s modern, but still true to the landscape.”
The artwork has received a positive response from the school community.
“Everyone loves it,” Wolff said. “It’s everything we hoped for and more — a powerful representation of our school’s identity.”
When introducing the mural to the school community, Osgood spoke with Los Cerros art students about his career as a professional artist. This added an educational element to the project. “I want our community to take pride in our little school,” Briggs said. “This is one way to do that.”
