Murals with a Mission: Painting Hope and Community
At The Salvation Army of Wake County, our mission to bring healing, hope, and opportunity to individuals and families is strengthened through meaningful partnerships. One inspiring example is our collaboration with Color for a Cause (CFAC), a youth-led art service organization transforming nonprofit spaces through vibrant, community-centered murals.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
For Marcus Hulbig, President and Founder of Color for a Cause, mural painting began as a middle school passion.
His connection with The Salvation Army began through his local service organization YMSL First in Flight and continued through three CFAC projects at our Center of Hope shelter. His latest mural, created for Project FIGHT, holds particular significance.
“I’m especially excited about this mural because the project’s mission is incredibly important,” Marcus shares. “I’m honored to bring my art into this space.”
The final design is rich in symbolism: a field of flowers stretching toward distant mountains, with a sunrise emerging behind them. The rising sun represents hope and new beginnings, an intentional message for residents recovering from human trafficking experiences. The imagery reflects resilience, healing, and the steady support of a caring community.
“Our goal was to create something meaningful without being overwhelming,” Marcus explains. “The sun rising behind the mountains symbolizes hope and fresh starts.”
Turning Passion Into Purpose
What began as a creative outlet for Marcus quickly became something more meaningful. Community members expressed how the murals brightened their days and transformed everyday spaces into places of warmth and encouragement. Seeing that impact firsthand inspired Marcus to create Color for a Cause.
CFAC’s mission is rooted in community engagement and empowerment. The organization strives to:
- Engage high school volunteers in the mural process, building ownership and connection
- Use art to inspire hope and uplift underserved communities
- Provide students with hands-on experience in creative design and large-scale projects
- Amplify awareness of nonprofit missions through meaningful visual storytelling
Meet Marcus Hulbig
Currently a senior at Green Hope High School, Marcus is an artist whose creativity extends beyond murals. He enjoys working in graphite and chalk pastel, spending time at the beach, hiking in the mountains, and playing bass guitar—especially songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
“Founding Color for a Cause has allowed me to combine my passion for visual arts with giving back to my community,” Marcus says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see a space transformed through art.”
A Growing Impact Across the Community
Color for a Cause has already brought its talents to numerous local partners, including:
- AMI Kids Infinity Wake
- Season’s Village
- Carpenter Elementary School
- Durham VA Health Care System
- Kadampa Center
Each mural reflects collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to strengthening the community.
Art That Brings Us Together
For Marcus, the most meaningful part of the process isn’t just painting—it’s people.
“I enjoy spending time with fellow student artists and meeting new people at each location,” he says. “The painting process is always fun when everyone including the organization we’re working with takes part in the design.”
That shared creative experience fosters connection, ownership, and pride in the finished piece. Beyond the aesthetic, Marcus believes art’s true value lies in its emotional impact.
“I’ve always believed the value of an art piece isn’t in how it looks, but in how we react to it,” he says. “Good art should spark conversation and bring people together.”
Color for a Cause embodies that belief in every project by strengthening community, celebrating stories, and bringing beauty and meaning to everyday spaces. We are grateful for partners like Marcus and Color for a Cause who help us bring hope to our shelter residents.