Original Mural Breathes New Life into Old Space

Graphic designer Alex Martinez and the mural he drew.

Part storage facility and yoga room, the aesthetically stagnant main dance studio in the old part of Salt Lake Community College’s South City Campus recently received a much-needed infusion of art, culture, inspiration and story in one giant mural.

“I thought the space needed it,” says SLCC Dance Company director Whitney Harris. “I’ve never seen anything else like it on other campuses.”

The roughly 14-foot by 50-foot mural came to life over the course of about four months this past year. SLCC graphic designer Alex Martinez worked closely with Harris on the look and feel of the mural. “I wanted to reenergize everything,” Martinez says about the studio. “I don’t want people to say, ‘This old space.’”

The pair decided on a street art theme, using a graffiti style to project vibrancy, movement and, most important, diversity and inclusion. The eight characters Martinez drew at first by hand represent several cultures. “It’s huge and prominent,” Harris says. “And it’s strategically placed in hopes that it will signal to students of different backgrounds that this is a place where they are welcomed and desired.”

Whitney Harris mimics a move portrayed by one of the mural characters.

SLCC Printing Services installed the mural, using 54-inch-wide vinyl decal strips. The final design was the culmination of dozens of drawings, all imagined by Martinez, 31, who began showing an interest in art at age four. In 2012 he began seeking formal training in art at SLCC, where he has earned three associate’s degrees, including degrees in graphic communications and visual arts and design. “Art is kind of natural to me,” says Martinez, who is planning on pursuing a bachelor’s degree next year.

Harris and Martinez hope to collaborate again on a second mural for an adjacent studio. “He’s brilliant,” Harris says about her collaborator and his artwork. “The brilliance comes into play when it all comes together. The images combine so beautifully to tell a story. It represents stories we want to be told. It’s a call to all types of artists we haven’t seen or heard from historically, to say, ‘You are welcome here, and here are your stories.'”

Comments

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange. The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin...

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education: HB 261 Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB 257 Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available. We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resourc...

Official SLCC Blog

Search This Blog