DILLON — The students at Dillon Valley Elementary were excited to see Armando Silva, known as “ArtManDo,” at school again. The artist had previously demonstrated his painting skills in the spring when he completed a creative and colorful portrait of Albert Einstein.

Silva was born in Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico, and moved to Colorado with his family at age 5. He lives in Greeley, where he says the downtown area is a giant canvas for his work.

“It’s been really very welcoming, very open door,” Silva said about the mural experience at Dillon Valley Elementary. “Just to see the parents interact (with the mural) as well, it’s like they feel very empowered within the space.”

Silva aims to empower through his art and bring people together through language and culture. He emphasizes inclusivity and respect in his discussions with the children.

Silva wants the children to use their imagination when interpreting the various symbols and text within the mural.

The mural will be dedicated at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Dillon Valley Elementary.

The dedication of the mural coincides with El Grito de Todos, a celebration of Mexican and Central American independence, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.