Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has announced that its Arts and Sciences Building, located near Oakland and Third Streets in Denton, Texas, will be demolished this summer. The building, erected in 1956, has become too costly to maintain, according to university facilities officials. However, an important piece of its legacy will be preserved – the brick mural on the building’s west-facing façade.
The mural, created by the esteemed Texas artist Coreen Mary Spellman, features a distinctive star motif crafted from variations of protruding and receding bricks in red and sand colors. Some art enthusiasts believe the star design is a tribute to Spellman’s admiration for Texas.
Spellman was a pivotal figure in Texas art, having served as an assistant professor at TWU for 45 years. She was part of the ‘Forgotten Nine,’ a group of artists from the Denton area who contributed significantly to modernism in Texas art during the 1920s to 1960s. Recognized for her oil paintings, watercolors, and etchings, Spellman also founded the Printmakers Guild, an organization supporting female artists in showcasing and selling their work.
The process of preserving the mural involves cutting it into segments, placing these on wooden pallets, and storing them until a suitable new location is found. Alex Thomas, TWU’s director of planning & design services, emphasized the university’s commitment to preserving its historical features, stating, “We have a history of preserving extraordinary features of some of our buildings, and this demonstrates Texas Woman’s commitment to preserving some of the character of our past.”
The decision to preserve the mural reflects TWU’s dedication to honoring its rich artistic heritage while pursuing necessary infrastructural updates. The careful removal and storage of the mural will ensure that this piece of history remains a part of the university’s cultural tapestry for future generations.