2 murals in progress in UNG's observatory

When it comes to an artist's growth, Vivian Liddell knows one experience holds true.

"Artists develop their skills faster when they collaborate," she said.

The assistant professor of visual arts at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is putting that experience to task this fall. Ten students in her special topics class are painting two murals inside UNG's North Georgia Astronomical Observatory.

"It is quite the experiment with 10 people trying to get their footing on painting a mural together," Liddell said.

She was glad she could supply such an opportunity for students after she couldn't secure a location for a mural in fall 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. An email from Dr. Gregory Feiden, director of the observatory, allowed her to plan a mural class for fall 2021. He asked Liddell if she would paint a mural in the year-old building.

"The bright white interior walls of the observatory felt cold, sterile and harsh," the associate professor of physics and astronomy said. "I wanted to bring color and warmth to the facility to help create a more welcoming and comforting environment. Specifically, I hoped to have a mural designed by students to bring visual interest, provide a conversation starter and connect science with visual arts."

Feiden and Liddell collaborated with their students on two murals — one in the hallway and the other in the classroom. They received a Presidential Incentive Award to fund the student project.

"We could have easily commissioned smaller pieces or printed off images of astronomical objects, but that felt less permanent and less of a commitment to uniting art and astronomy," Feiden said. "A mural seemed like a way to invite art into our space and make it an integral and permanent part of the observatory."

Before any painting began, the visual arts students measured, sketched and pitched their designs to Feiden and his astronomy students. After critiques and revisions, the top eight designs— four for each wall — were presented to Feiden, who selected the two winners.

Veronica Alarcon, a senior pursuing an art degree with a concentration in graphic design, was surprised her design won.

"Dr. Feiden didn't like any of my original designs, so I didn't think he would pick mine," the 25-year-old from Braselton, Georgia, said. "But I think it is really cool that I actually will leave something of me at UNG."

Jonah McEver, a senior pursuing a degree in visual arts with a concentration in drawing and painting, was excited to paint a mural.

"It's not the kind of class you get to take on a regular basis," the 22-year-old from Gainesville, Georgia, said. "I will never get an opportunity like this again."

McEver will put the project on his resume and hopes it helps with his graduate school applications.