Studio art students at Southeast Middle School are creating four original murals this week for installation on the back of the Crowded Closet building in Iowa City’s South of 6 area.
Students in teacher Rachael Ayers-Arnone’s studio art classes are painting the murals May 4–8 during class periods. The works are being created on Polytab, a material that allows multiple students to contribute simultaneously. Once complete, the panels will be mounted on-site.
Maurice Davis, executive director of South of 6, initiated the project as part of a broader effort to expand public art and improve community spaces south of Highway 6.
The Crowded Closet mural is expected to be the first in a series of public art installations in the area, with additional work planned for nearby businesses. The murals will also be incorporated into a longer-term vision to convert the green space behind the Crowded Closet into a music and events venue.
All studio art students submitted original designs for the murals; the class then voted to select four concepts for production.
“This project gives students the opportunity to see their work beyond the classroom and understand the impact art can have in a community,” Ms. Ayers-Arnone said. “It’s exciting for them to collaborate and create something that will be part of a shared public space.”
The project is funded entirely through donations to South of 6.
Painting takes place during 7th and 8th periods. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, those periods run 2:30–3:14 p.m. and 3:18–4 p.m., respectively. On Thursday, they run 1:40–2:18 p.m. and 2:22–3 p.m.
