Students create mural piece by piece

"The students did a tremendous job. They showed up and were ready to work. They worked with the restraints of materials and time. They all used their different strengths to make a harmonious whole," McIntosh said. "They had to communicate, make decisions, adapt, and be flexible. Together, we painted something calming and beautiful."

Once the mural cloth panels were ready, McIntosh; Jennifer Graff, department head and professor of visual arts; and UNG facilities employees Jack Reidy and Wesley Moore placed and glued the panels while students assisted from the ground.

Each student out of a 13-person class created between 40 and 50 sketches of potential designs. Avita selected the design of Anita Equivel Lopez, a Dahlonega, Georgia, resident who graduated in May with a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration.

Equivel Lopez plans to do paralegal work or go to law school. She hopes the mural experience is just a start in that direction.

"If I ever get the amazing opportunity to do a mural again, I would love to," Equivel Lopez said. "This was so fun, and I love painting. It's a passion. It just makes me happy whenever I'm doing it."

Samuel Martin, a junior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing a degree in graphic design, expressed gratitude to UNG and Avita for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a difference in the community. The collaborative aspect will serve him well as he enters the user experience and user interface design space.

"Presenting the designs to Avita was a valuable experience," Martin said. "In graphic design, you need to be able to talk to your clients."

Hariah Hutkowski, executive assistant for Avita Community Partners, expressed gratitude to the UNG students.

"This partnership has helped bring many beautiful designs to our Behavioral Health Crisis Center over the last four years," Hutkowski said. "Avita is appreciative of the students pouring their time and effort to help those in crisis brighten and perhaps bring peace to their day."