New murals point of pride for residents; Common Theme was a successful hook
UW-Green Bay Resident Assistant Leanne DuCharme had a great idea — tie a proposed mural project in Residence Life to the University’s Common Theme, “Realizing Our Sustainable Future,” and residents will feel more ownership. It worked.
Assistant Director of Residence Life, Joanie Dovekas said the new murals — located in R. E. Small Hall, Robert Warren Hall, Donald Long, Sr. Hall, Bob Schaefer Hall, Apartment 3312 and Hendrickson Community Center — have great appeal and lasting value.
Residence Life supplied the paint, brushes, tarps, etc., but DuCharme gets the credit for the organization, publicity and coordination with the students, according to Dovekas.A winner will be announced soon at a celebration party for all those who participated in the mural contest.
“I have been trying to get more students to paint murals for years, but it is a time consuming effort,” Dovekas said. “We hope these murals will stay for a number of years. Actually, we are hoping to make this an annual event and add to the murals already displayed in our buildings.”
According to Dovekas, each building that wanted to paint a mural had to submit a design sketch for approval. The majority of the residents signed a statement agreeing that they supported the proposed mural design, as a way of ensuring that the residents had input into the mural that would be displayed in their “home.”
“The idea of painting murals is consistent with the Residence Life vision of having students look at their buildings as their home away from home,” she said. “We strive all year long to provide opportunities for residents to create and define the community experience in which they live. This program was just one way that residents could help define their physical community.
– Photos by Eric Miller, photographer, Marketing and University Communication
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