After weeks of planning and preparation, Augusta University students and staff are adding the finishing touches to a brand new mural in downtown Augusta this weekend.
With shades of blue, orange and green, AU personnel have been hard at work painting the corner of Reynolds and 11th Street in hopes of officially finishing the mural on Saturday, Feb. 16.
Desiring to integrate students into the downtown area, project leader and Augusta University art lecturer Cyndy Epps said she hopes the mural provides AU attendees representation outside of the college’s campuses.
“We’re trying to tie together all things Augusta and a bit of Augusta University,” said Epps. “We’re trying to find a place students can come down and take a picture in front of.”
As the mural is 151 inches high and 660 inches wide, Epps said painting began three weeks ago and has taken many coats of paint to thoroughly cover all bricks.
“We’ve been painting for a few weeks, but it’s been underway for several months,” she said. “It’s been a very collaborative effort on many levels … it’s been fun to have a variety of people come out, take ownership and be part of the process.”
In addition, AU graphic designer and fellow mural painter Martyn Turner said art adds more than just beauty to Augusta.
“Statistically, if there is art in public places, it brings the crime rate down, because people are taking pictures and they want to be near the art,” Turner said. “It encourages people to walk the area, which brings the crime rate down.”
Inviting all to contribute to the artistic addition, Turner said painters are welcoming community members and other passersby to grab a brush and add a splash of color.
“I love it. I come downtown a lot and would consider it home,” said Turner. “So, it’s just been cool to be a part of [mural] process from start to finish, and it’s been fun to collab with students.”
With representative dogwood, azaleas, magnolias and Cherokee roses included in the mural, Turner said many elements of the piece showcase city and university pride.
“It’s representative of Augusta being a garden city,” Turner said. “I’m glad I got to be a part of it.”
Contributing student and graphic design major Tiffany Nguyen said she got involved with the project to have a hand in beautifying the community.
“I’ve pretty much been here since the beginning,” she said. “I think it tells a story. Lots of art pieces tell stories and – in the future years down the line – it’ll still be here.”
Participants who pass by the mural will be welcome to stop and help painters finish the project Saturday morning.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
