Art school students paint cosmic mural in Bayou Building

By Troylon Griffin II, Editor-in-Chief Last updated Jul 14, 2022 234 0

Two Astronauts float through space. As their ship flies from them, beautiful waves of color flow from the astronauts’ paintbrushes, creating a true colorful galaxy. This is the subject of the mural the UHCL community shall now see as they enter the Bayou Building and walk past the patio cafe.

This mural was painted as part of one of UHCL’s summer art classes which are overseen by David Moya, UHCL art school director and clinical assistant professor. The class, taught by Waco teacher Hope Gereghty, spent a week painting the mural in June.

The seeds of the mural’s painting were planted when Moya asked Gereghty if she would like to teach the one-week mural class.

“David and I met at the [Texas Art Education Association Conference],” Gereghty said. “He told me about the summer school program for kids and I told him about my mural process. We decided to set a time to collaborate to share our knowledge.”

Moya sought to create a painting that captured the spirit of UHCL.

“The astronauts being artists represents that connection between UHCL’s STEM departments and art departments,” Moya said. “We decided to go with very vibrant colors to pay homage to UHCL being a Hispanic Serving Institution.”

Once the idea was discussed and finalized, Gereghty made the sketch that would become the mural.

PHOTO: Image depicts sketch painted on wall. The mural shows two astronauts with paint brushes. Bright colors flow out the paint brush throughout space. Photo by The Signal Executive Editor Troylon Griffin II. — Once the ideas were discussed and finalized, Gereghty made the sketch that would become the mural. Moya had the initial concept ideas of space and Hispanic heritage, and Gereghty created the sketch based on the ideas. Photo by The Signal Executive Editor Troylon Griffin II.

“David had the initial concept ideas of space and Hispanic heritage, and I put it together in a composition,” Gereghty said.

For Gereghty, the best part about seeing the mural come to fruition was letting the students take on their role in painting a public mural.

“It’s always quite wonderful to watch the empowerment of young students as they begin to step back from a mural project to see their hand in a public installation,” Gereghty said. “In most cases, they haven’t been entrusted with such a large composition, and friendships are cultivated in the process.”

Gereghty’s sentiment is part of the advice she constantly gives her students.

“I always urge students to step back to take in the whole picture as they make technical decisions,” Gereghty said. “I treat every collaboration as if a client commissioned it and the students are the hired artists so they can distance their personal preferences from the work. This is a major skill in the art service industry.”

A closer look at the mural reveals an array of pop culture references, including multiple space ships from Star Wars and Star Trek.

PHOTO: Image depicts painting of Starship Enterprise. Photo by The Signal Executive Editor Troylon Griffin II. — Students were allowed to paint their own pop culture references as signatures. This included a Starship Enterprise from Star Trek. Photo by The Signal Executive Editor Troylon Griffin II.

Moya and Gereghty said the references were encouraged as a way for students to leave their mark and further express their creativity.

“They weren’t planned, but were a welcome ad-lib from the students themselves,” Gereghty said. “They soon became as important as their signatures.”

Such signatures included a TARDIS from the Dr. Who franchise, painted by eighth grader Evangeline Gable.

“The walls are all white in my home,” Evangeline said. “I’ve always wanted to paint them. My room is covered in my art. My mom only lets me paint my room and the hallways and on the doors first. So it was fun to paint something that was white. I would say why would you not paint a T.A.R.D.I.S in a space scene, but why would you not paint a T.A.R.D.I.S. in every scene? I put it in a lot of my paintings like an Easter egg.”

Gable enjoyed the experience.

“I really, really liked it,” Gable said. “It was the best class ever.”

Moya said he is satisfied with the work, and feels its purpose was fulfilled.

“In my mind we were just trying to think of something new to do for the kids,” Moya said. “I imagine they will paint over it eventually. When its public art spaces you can’t be married to those works because they can be replaced very quickly.”

PHOTO: Image shows space painting with a TARDIS from the Doctor Who franchise. Photo by The Signal Executive Editor Troylon Griffin II. — Evangeline Gable’s painting of a TARDIS from the Doctor Who franchise was one of many pop culture references painted on the mural. Photo by The Signal Executive Editor Troylon Griffin II.

While the mural will not remain permanently on it’s Bayou Building wall, Gereghty said she is still proud of the work put into the project.

“The mural is scheduled to be repainted, but this doesn’t bother me at all,” Gereghty said. “An artist has to embrace the process and our ever changing surroundings. I am proud to have a small part in starting a tradition of student empowerment through large scale murals at such a wonderful institute of learning. It was a pleasure to work with David and I am so grateful for what he taught me about the summer and after school camp program he has worked so hard to establish.”