Reach Higher

The Story Behind the Mural

When I created Reach Higher, I wanted to capture more than the beauty of ballet. I wanted to celebrate the power of encouragement, perseverance, and the people who inspire others to discover their own potential.

The dancer portrayed in this painting has a special connection to Naperville. For several years, she taught dance at the Naperville YMCA, where she introduced children and young adults to the joy of movement, creativity, and self-expression. Like so many dedicated teachers and mentors, her influence reached far beyond the dance studio, helping students build confidence, discipline, and a belief in themselves.

Her graceful pose—reaching upward with strength and optimism—became the inspiration for this mural. It represents the pursuit of our dreams, the courage to embrace new challenges, and the hope that every generation can lift the next a little higher.

Public art has the unique ability to transform everyday spaces into places of reflection and inspiration. My hope is that this mural encourages people to pause for a moment, appreciate the arts, and think about the teachers, coaches, family members, and friends who have shaped their own lives.

About the Artist

I'm Fred Moss, a Chicago-area representational oil painter whose work is inspired by the beauty of nature, the energy of cities, and the stories that bring communities together. My paintings often explore places that create lasting memories—from America's National Parks and the landscapes of Italy to Chicago neighborhoods and public spaces.

In addition to gallery exhibitions, I've been fortunate to create several public art projects throughout the Chicago area, including sculptures for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's Horses of Honor program and All of Us, a large-scale public mural created with the Chicago Public Art Group.

Whether I'm painting a landscape, a portrait, or a public mural, my goal is always the same: to create artwork that brings people together through optimism, beauty, and a shared sense of place.

Thank you for visiting this page and for taking the time to learn the story behind Reach Higher. I hope this mural brightens your day and reminds you that even a single teacher, artist, or mentor can have a lasting impact on an entire community.

To see more of my artwork and public art projects, please visit www.fredmoss.com or follow me on social media.