DENTON, Dec. 5, 2024 — Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is tapping into its vibrant community of artists with the introduction of this year’s mural project, led by Visual Arts professor Giovanni Valderas. The chosen location, a high-traffic but often overlooked breezeway on campus, is set to become a centerpiece of artistic expression. The breezeway, located on the east side of the Administrative and Conference Tower, serves as a passageway for many students and faculty daily, connecting major campus buildings such as Hubbard Hall and the Arts & Sciences Building.
This marks the third year of the mural class, which previously installed artwork in the Student Union and on a prominent wall at the intersection of Oakland and Third Streets. “Why wouldn’t we want to be ambitious?” Valderas expressed, highlighting the importance of tackling big challenges through art. He aims to transform the breezeway into a space where people engage and congregate.
The breezeway’s architectural complexity, featuring walls, ceilings, and pillars, presented unique challenges to the student-led design team, the Maroon Magnolias. “We were painting the ceiling? We all freaked out,” said Ayah Shalabi, recalling their initial reaction to the assignment. Thanks to her background in sculpture, Shalabi and her team developed a cohesive design that considers various viewpoints within the 3D space.
The mural incorporates stained-glass imagery, inspired by TWU’s Little Chapel and other campus landmarks. Icons like the campus owl and motifs from the library’s stained glass highlight the university’s rich history and cultural diversity. “We can create something that becomes more of a monument to the ideas and the values of this school,” Valderas stated, reflecting on the mural’s significance.
As they work towards a December completion, the project has encouraged students to merge artistic vision with campus life, promising a vibrant transformation for an area previously seen as an eyesore. “My thing is, artists are idealistic and optimistic, but then I think they’re determined and they will come through,” Valderas assured, maintaining confidence in meeting the looming deadline despite the late start in November.
