WSU Tri-Cities fine art students paint a mural they designed at Marcus Whitman Elementary school in Richland, WA: Razan Osman, Silvia Gomez-Hernandez, Steph Osorio, Carola Garcia-Mendez, Liz Jimenez, Elizabeth Yanes, Shanna Conner, Kali Cornwell, & Iratze Lomeli.

RICHLAND, WA – A group of fine arts students from Washington State University Tri-Cities brought the local landscape and inspiring words for students to life in a mural they designed for Marcus Whitman Elementary School.

Dustin Regul, fine arts professor at WSU Tri-Cities said, “The purpose for this project was to bring art to the community and add to the aesthetic culture of the Tri-Cities. Plus, it was a great opportunity for students to get experience developing a public installation from concept to completion.”

The mural is located on the grounds of Marcus Whitman Elementary School in Richland. The WSU Tri-Cities students came up with the design which features elements of the local landscape and a book filled with inspirational quotes collected from teachers who work at the school. The project took place during the spring semester and included approximately five meetings and two, eight-hour workdays to complete. In addition to the collaboration with the school, Griggs Ace Hardware made significant contributions to this project as well.

Regul initiated the project but said it was the hard work and dedication of the students that made it happen. “This is our first mural, and we hope to make this a yearly thing. In the fall we’ll look at planning one at another school.” Regul said.

Learn more about creative arts programs offered at WSU Tri-Cities on the College of Arts and Sciences website.