At George Mason University, the Murals at Mason project is fostering a sense of community through the power of art.
Recently, a group of talented artists, including some Mason students and alumni, came together to create a series of uplifting murals at Manassas Mall. This collaborative effort demonstrates the opportunities available to students enrolled at George Mason University.
Originally established as the "Mural Brigade," Murals at Mason began as a student organization that provided aspiring artists with opportunities to design and paint interior murals commissioned for various departments on campus. Led by University Curator Don Russell, the interdisciplinary project has since been guided by students majoring in government and social justice.
The Manassas Mall project features seven murals, with contributions from a mix of George Mason alumni, students, and local artists. Sarah Berry, an early 2000s alum, teamed up with Monica Tucker, a local artist, on one mural. Recent graduates Carina Santillan and Emma Dardis also painted their own murals, while artists Serina Chowdhury, Kat Seranni, and David (Dew) Charmant contributed their talents to the project.
The mall's management sought colorful, community-focused murals that conveyed positive messages about Virginia, the surrounding community, and humanity as a whole. As part of the mall's post-COVID revitalization strategy, these murals aimed to appeal to the diverse residents of Manassas and Prince William County.
Murals at Mason has had a significant impact on the community, students, and alumni involved. Since its inception as a student organization in 2017, the project has empowered numerous emerging artists, exposed them to mural-making as a viable income source, and taught them valuable skills such as working with clients and communities.
If you're interested in commissioning or producing a mural, don't hesitate to reach out to Yassmin Salem, the Program Manager of Mason Exhibitions. The Murals at Mason team is dedicated to helping both on and off-campus clients, such as local businesses, residents, and governments, connect with talented student or professional artists to create captivating murals and other public art.
Local artists interested in receiving Calls for Artists can get in touch with Murals at Mason through their social media channels on Instagram and Facebook or by visiting the Mason Exhibitions website.
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