What started as a whimsical mural of pastries painted by local high school students is now a symbol of free expression and community pride. A federal judge ruled this week that the town of Conway, New Hampshire, violated the bakery owner’s rights when it tried to force him to alter or remove the 90-square-foot painting adorning his shop. The mural, filled with sunbeams and sweet treats, sparked joy and curiosity since it was completed in 2022—but town officials argued it was a “sign,” not art, and tried to regulate it out of existence.
The bakery’s owner, students, and supporters stood their ground, and the court sided with them, calling the town’s enforcement illogical and unconstitutional. Now, the mural stays right where it is, giving the young artists and the whole town something to celebrate. What began as a community art project has become a lasting win for creativity, student expression, and the idea that sometimes, standing up for what’s right really does pay off.