Community and Inclusivity: BC’s New Mural ‘Creative Spark’

'Creative Spark' Mural./Courtesy of Paulina Gajewski

By Jaida Dent

   Unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 4, “Creative Spark” was a mural developed throughout the fall 2024 semester by the students of the ARTD 3414: Mural Art class, taught by Professor Julia Cocuzza. The mural was also created in collaboration with the Brooklyn College Art Department, Office of the President, Office of Finance, Office of Diversity & Equity Programs, Office of the Provost, and the Dean of the School of Visual, Media and & Performing Arts (SVMPA). The mural sits in the Boylan Hall Basement, outside of the new Art Gallery (Boylan 0400).

   “Art has infinite possibilities, and as members of the Brooklyn College community, everyone should feel empowered to bravely share their perspectives and create boundless possibilities,” said Qin Huang, a senior at Brooklyn College (BC), and one of the artists involved in painting “Creative Spark”, a new mural on campus. 

   The mural took the entirety of the fall semester to create, with the first half consisting of the planning phase. Students in the class brainstormed and consulted the BC community for ideas. Not only were themes and colors a part of the design process, but the students had to consider the architecture of the wall where the mural would sit. The mural was painted in sections on paper in the studio, and then installed in Boylan Hall. 

   “The mural project has been a marvelous addition to the BC community. By engaging students in a communal and creative process centered on our shared spaces […] it has not only enhanced our surroundings but has provided elements of beauty in previously overlooked places on campus,” said interim dean of SVMPA, Paula Massood. 

‘Creative Spark’ Mural./Courtesy of Paulina Gajewski

   While the mural serves as a means to beautify the campus, it represents much more to the artists. The title of the mural, Creative Spark, speaks to the creation process that occurs while creating art. Though the students discussed certain concepts, the mural would take on a life of its own as it was being created. 

   “The mural is about creativity and its capacity to build new worlds. In visual art, as with every academic discipline taught, it always begins with an initial spark, that first mark made, pencil-to-paper, from which imagination expands and futures can be built,” Cocuzza told The Vanguard.

   The mural also reflects the work and effort that the artists put into the piece. This piece’s creation served as a way to highlight the creativity that exists on campus and share a love for art and the communities it is birthed from.

   “Those who contributed feel a special sense of legacy, but future students will feel their own subtle sense of connection and encouragement while in the space. To do a mural like this – the time, labor, resources, and creativity required – it’s essentially a big expression of affection for the community it sits in. I’d like to think that ripples out,” said Cocuzza. 

   The creation of the mural was also an empowering process for students in the class. The artists were able to work with one another for an entire semester on a large piece that will live on campus, a visual representation of their contribution to BC. 

   “It was refreshing to start painting on a larger scale that I haven’t done. Doing it in a group, I didn’t find it intimidating, but rather relaxing,” said Cassey Benitez, a fall 2024 graduate, and artist who worked on Creative Spark. 

   The mural’s creation and installment has cemented students’ creativity on campus and the ARTD 3414 class provided students with the opportunity to leave their artistic marks. The BC community can expect to see more murals across campus as the class is set to take place again in the upcoming fall semester. 

   “This mural reflects the BC community’s inclusivity and encouragement of student participation in community art projects. Throughout the process, it strengthened communication between teachers and students, connections between students and staff, and collaboration among faculty,” said Huang. “For the community, teamwork is always essential. It also showcases the spirit of BC—creativity and inclusivity.”

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