Story and photo by Gracie Hedenberg
Hixson is gaining a new mural this semester, by artist Cbabi Bayoc, an internationally acclaimed St. Louisan who focuses on diversity, fatherhood and inspiring others through his artwork. His art can be found primarily children’s books, murals of all types and other creative projects.

Cbabi Bayoc’s name is actually a pair of acronyms. Cbabi stands for creative-black-artist-battling-ignorance and Bayoc stands for blessed-african-youth-of-creativity. Cbabi’s website states that he enjoys talking with students about their power to determine their own destinies and loves to teach others using his own life experiences as lessons.

Hixson’s principal, Dr. Shenita Mayes, said “The mural will honor Webster Groves history, including the early beginnings of Hixson. The mural will also represent our diverse student body and represent the unique aspects of our school community. We are very excited to see the finished product, and we are looking forward to this mural being a great conversation-starter in our school, as well as a source of Hixson pride!”

Artist Cbabi Bayoc works on a mural outside Hixson Middle School’s auditorium.