Brown creates mural at Lumpkin senior center

Kelsey Brown had painted plenty of large banners for Delta Zeta, her sorority at the University of North Georgia (UNG), but she had never tried her hand at a mural. That changed in a major way when she painted a scene of mountains, wildlife and a stream at the Lumpkin County Senior Life Center.

Brown made sketches over the summer and then a smaller painting before spending 74 hours over a 10-day period bringing the mural to life on a wall in the billiards room of the senior center in Dahlonega, Georgia.

"I wanted to try painting a mural because I wanted more experience on bigger projects," said Brown, a junior from Woodstock, Georgia, pursuing a degree in studio art.

While UNG students regularly create murals as part of a course in the Department of Visual Arts, Brown painted this mural as a solo project after a friend serving as an intern with Lumpkin County suggested a mural as a way to brighten the wall.

Daniel Kornrumpf, lecturer of visual arts, is the faculty member who has worked most closely with Brown. He found out about the mural once it was complete. Kornrumpf said the project is a clear illustration of Brown's initiative.

"It's fitting to her personality. Her work ethic is really strong," Kornrumpf said. "She's always attentive and pulling the lessons into her work. It shows that she's actively involved and engaged."

Brown's career goal is to work in art restoration.

"There's not an exact path for that, but I'm hoping to figure it out as I go," Brown said. "I would also like to work in a museum at some point."