McDonald's Unveils Dayton Student's Winning Mural Art

Belmont High School student Junior Avila's artwork was unveiled at a Dayton McDonald's as part of the Golden Arches Mural Program.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy

A freshly painted abstract mural in teal, mustard, and cream covers a brick wall beside a restaurant entrance on an empty city sidewalk. — A Belmont High School student's winning mural was unveiled at a Dayton McDonald's on October 20 as part of the Golden Arches Mural Program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

McDonald's unveiled artwork by Belmont High School student Junior Avila at a Dayton restaurant on October 20. The piece is the culmination of the Golden Arches Mural Program, which McDonald's supports.

Why it matters

The program gives local students a public platform for their art while connecting McDonald's restaurants to the Dayton community. It was held in support of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Junior Avila received a $1,000 award and the Belmont High School art department received a $500 grant. The winning artwork will be transformed into 5-foot by 5-foot murals, though the source does not state how many students entered.

The players

McDonald's

McDonald's is a global fast-food restaurant chain that sponsors the Golden Arches Mural Program.

Eric Godlove

Eric Godlove is a McDonald's Owner/Operator who partnered with the company on the program.

The details

Students were challenged to create artwork blending McDonald's nostalgia with their interpretation of Dayton. Winning artwork will be displayed at the McDonald's locations nearest each participating school, and pieces by other students will also be shown.

October 20: Junior Avila's artwork unveiled at a local Dayton McDonald's.
This semester: Belmont High School students invited to join the Golden Arches program.

Philanthropy Context

The Golden Arches Mural Program ties McDonald's corporate giving to local youth arts in individual markets rather than a single national campaign. This Dayton round follows that model by linking student murals to the restaurants nearest each school.

Dayton residents can see the winning murals at the McDonald's at 1032 S Smithville Rd and at the restaurants nearest participating schools. The program offers no direct change to menu prices or restaurant service.

The takeaway

Community art programs like this one can give local students visible recognition while anchoring a company's presence in the neighborhoods it serves. Residents who want to see the work can visit the Smithville Road location where the winning piece is displayed.