Relief Mural Projects

I will have student-created print works installed on the exterior walls of buildings on the campus of Wayne State University during the MAPC conference. Additionally, I will have the same prints installed around the campus of the University of Toledo, thus bridging the two cities and creating one big connected “Print City”. Students will create large woodblock prints that would be adhered to exterior walls of buildings. These large images will be printed on Japanese Kozo (rice paper). The life span of these murals depends directly on exposure to weather. The paper will be adhered to the chosen site using water soluble “wheat paste,” a mixture of flour and water. As these prints will be outdoors, their existence can best be described as ephemeral. If needed, the murals could easily be removed by power washing with water. Participating students will scout out potential sites and collaboratively come up with concept sketches for their murals. The students will be required to take into account the history of their site and create an image that is visually pleasing but also pays homage to the site. I believe that the murals will spur interest in the history of both cities. As a result of this event, students will become more engaged in fabric of the community in which they place the prints. This project will also prompt folks to walk around both cities in search of the murals, creating a transformed community of newly engaged art enthusiasts. Because people will be out walking the city sidewalks, the project will have a positive impact on the community and the businesses of that area