New student-led mural unveiled at Newport on the Levee with a city celebration
A first-of-its-kind art class shows what’s possible when creativity meets community
New student-led mural unveiled at Newport on the Levee with a city celebration
The big reveal began with a ribbon cutting at Newport on the Levee, where even the mayor was present to praise Miami University art students for creating the city's newest mural.
“I'm incredibly excited about public art, and it's really cool to see how this partnership came to be and what its achieved,” said Tom Guidugli, mayor of Newport, Kentucky. “Arts and culture are important in our society on all levels. It connects us. Murals do that here. And this is going to add to the vibrancy of our city.”
This partnership between Newport and Miami’s Department of Art began last fall when the city approached the university to help beautify the city. Michael Stillion, assistant teaching professor, then built an entire class around the project with students who led the conceptualization, creation, and installation of the entire mural.
“I'm really proud of these students,” Stillion said. “The dedication, the focus, the creativity of these students to work as a team, to be able to pull this off is absolutely amazing.”
The colorful 50 foot by 9 foot mural was created on a material called parachute cloth, which meant students could draw and paint while on campus, and then transport the finished panels to Newport where it was installed like high-tech wallpaper.
For students, it was also a tremendous opportunity to gain real experience working for a real client. For some, it’s already led to new opportunities.
“Right now, actually, I am leading a really large-scale mural project in my hometown of Urbana, Ohio,” said Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship major Riley Johnson. “I've already gained $10,000 for that project, and the whole community is behind it.”
Going forward, Stillion is also planning a new class that could potentially create a new mural for Oxford next year.
Until then, everyone strolling through Newport on the Levee can pause and enjoy this new piece of art, which is not just paint on a wall but a celebration of community and creativity.
“You gave us your walls and your trust, and together, we created something lasting,” said Julia Guichard, associate dean for the College of Creative Arts. “This is the first ever mural class at Miami University. That, in itself, is a milestone. But more than that, it is a model for collaboration between artists, educators, students, and community partners. It shows what's possible when we come together with imagination.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Department of Art? Visit their website for more information.
