From October 14th to the 28th, FSU Department of Art Education students, staff, faculty, alumni, and members of the Tallahassee community took part and contributed to the Department of Art Education’s Fall 2017 Community Mural Project.  Being the 7th mural the Department has completed in Tallahassee, it aimed is to bring together the Tallahassee community to jointly create a lasting impact on the city of Tallahassee.

Called “Tallahassee on the Move” and created by second year Art Therapy Masters student Jordyn Dooley, the mural design was inspired by the transition from the past to present day of the Tallahassee area where the local business AMWAT was built, which has now become a major moving enterprise. Tallahassee has a significant historical past that can be appreciated in the painting from left to right. Starting on the left side of the painting, a lighthouse represents the beginning of the Spanish settlement at St. Marks, which then transitioned to a hub of industry and became home to the first railway in Florida. On the right side of the painting, a cyclist represents how Tallahassee is riding into the future and brings the Tallahassee community forward, which is in turn being painted by the present.

The mural located at the AMWAT Moving Warehouse Storage building, students and educators from the Department of Art Education were present to assist volunteers and the community with painting the mural. All ages and skill levels were welcome to participate. All painting materials, including brushes, were provided at the site, and it was recommended for volunteers to wear clothing they did not mind getting messy in. Painting hours took place every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students, faculty, various community groups such as local Girl Scout and Brownie troupes, Sisters of Sobriety, and Better Living Solutions, as well as numerous other members of the community of all ages and abilities participated in the creation of the mural.

Although setting the scaffolding was a bit of a challenge, through team work and dedication we were able to build it up from scratch. I am immensly proud and grateful for all those who came out to volunteer, and I hope it was an unforgettable experience for them as it was for me.  It was extremely fun and enjoyable, as I have personally never worked on such a large scale before. Prior to this experience, I would have never imagined myself painting a mural. Being part of this project has been an honor, as it allowed me to leave my mark in Tallahassee and interact with other students and members of the community.

The Department of Art Education cordially thanks those involved in organizing and managing the project as well as those who contributed to such an exciting and special opportunity to leave a mark on the Tallahassee community!