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Glass Shack Studio Mural Comes to Life!

Gary Rees on April 25, 2024

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(Pictured:  Student artists – Rian Bevan, Grace Moores, Justin Severson, and GU art teacher Karen Gergely apply the finishing touches to the mural.)

Teri Foster’s The Glass Shack Studio at 114 East Main Street in Â齫ÆåÅÆ has been the site of a new community mural which is nearing completion.   It is a vibrant tapestry of colors and shapes, depicting prairie scenes with native flowers that resonate with the local community showcasing the talent and dedication of the Graceland students and artists and local volunteers.

“Our goal was to utilize the power of art along with GU students and community volunteers to beautify and draw attention to this area of town and make it a focal point that draws people in,” Graceland University Associate Professor of Art Karen Gergely said.  “This project benefits the landscape of the area and gives back to our environment as well as brings people together with a common goal.”  
Over 20 Graceland students and Â齫ÆåÅÆ residents came together as Gergely and Max Pitt, GU Community Development Club Faculty Sponsor coordinated the project to create a downtown mural with flowerpots of native prairie wildflowers at its base.  Additional faculty and community members stopped by to help.  

“This is not the first mural I have done with the Graceland art department,” said Jacey Lewis, Â齫ÆåÅÆ resident and GU Business and Social Change major/Art minor student.   “I like that I can make an impact in the community that can be seen by others for years to come. I enjoy the feeling of being a part of something bigger.”  Sophomore student Emily Feagins indicated, “Graceland is such a diverse experience, and this experience gives us an opportunity to share it with the town.”  Feagins is in secondary art education and expects to take her education and community involvement activities into her future career.

“Graceland and Â齫ÆåÅÆ continue to inspire students and community members to make the world better,” Pitt said.