Art and design students put their skills on display with new murals

Seth Prior and Gabryelle Harris, students in Augusta University’s Department of Art and Design within the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, were busy earlier this year using their artistic talents to beautify the city and campus with impressive murals.

Prior, a graphic design major, worked with local pickleball business DiNK’D Pickleball to create a mural in their indoor space, an opportunity he came across almost by accident.

“I was driving by and saw a sign with an email about mural opportunities,” said Prior.

His decision to reach out illustrates how taking a chance on unexpected opportunities can sometimes lead to something great. His mural features a retro “Welcome to This City” sign and incorporates local elements and landmarks.

“Knowing how to handle typography and scale designs is crucial,” said Prior, whose graphic design background was an asset in creating his mural because he has experience working within strict branding guidelines.

Prior’s goal as an artist is to spread Augusta’s art scene beyond downtown and add color to surrounding neighborhoods.

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Prior recommends building relationships with local business owners and creating targeted portfolios.

“Don’t be afraid to send cold emails and tailor your portfolio to the business or project,” he said.

While Prior’s experience inspires students to seek out opportunities with local businesses, Harris’ project was aimed at increasing student engagement within a campus space.

Harris, also a graphic design major, started her mural project with a mix of artistic passion and thorough research. Her mural, which enhances Pamplin College’s Television, Cinema, and Podcasting Lab on the first floor of University Hall, blends creativity with technical elements that reflect the lab’s focus on media and communication.

“My main goal was to represent what the lab stands for and the various activities it hosts,” said Harris.

The mural includes elements like cameras, circuit boards, sound equipment and a podcast setup, capturing the lab’s diverse nature. The mural has transformed a previously overlooked corner of the lab into a vibrant focal point.

“It was really cool to see the space I had just created artwork for,” she said. “Before the mural, it was just another nook in the wall.”