New Augusta University Mural in Downtown Augusta, GA
March 2024
In the heart of Downtown Augusta, Georgia, a vibrant mural has emerged! It weaves together the essence of Augusta University (AU) and all the beautiful things that make Augusta feel like home. This artistic endeavor, spearheaded by the Augusta University Marketing Team and brought to life by a diverse group of artists, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement.
This project’s conception traces back to a serendipitous encounter between the Augusta University Marketing Team and Cyndy Epps, a seasoned muralist and visual arts instructor at AU. Last summer, while Epps was teaching a Mural Painting Class at the University, the Marketing Team approached her with a vision: to create a mural that would embody the spirit of both Augusta University and the city of Augusta. With the support of Rafy Bassali, an AU alumni and local business owner, who generously offered his building as the canvas, the stage was set, or should we say – primed.
The process of selecting the mural’s theme and design was a collaborative journey that involved students, faculty and local artists. The initial concept aimed to unite Augusta and AU, resembling a postcard snapshot of the city. Students submitted design ideas, with Emily Radulescu, a Graphic Design major, ultimately contributing the winning design. Radulescu’s vision featured iconic elements of Augusta, including native flowering plants, downtown fountains, and the city skyline. Under the guidance of Henrique Nardi, a Graphic Design Professor at Augusta University, the design was refined to incorporate additional elements such as the river, arch, and the beloved Augustus statue, ensuring a vibrant representation of the city’s identity.
The creation process unfolded over the course of February 2024, with approximately forty volunteers lending their talents to the project. Artists of varied backgrounds and disciplines, including students from diverse academic fields such as biology and cybersecurity, joined forces to bring the mural to life. Each brushstroke served as a testament to the community’s dedication to public art and collective pride in Augusta’s cultural tapestry.
For Cyndy Epps, who is herself an experienced muralist accustomed to leading student-driven projects, the experience was deeply gratifying. Witnessing the students’ growth in confidence and skill throughout the mural’s creation only underscored the transformative power of artistic collaboration. Beyond artistic enrichment, students gained invaluable real-world experience and a lasting sense of ownership in shaping their city’s landscape.
As the mural garners widespread acclaim and admiration, discussions about future artistic endeavors are only natural to follow. What’s next? The Augusta University Marketing Team contemplates further initiatives to enrich the cityscape with vibrant murals, fueled by the overwhelmingly positive response to this inaugural project.
The impact of public art reverberates far beyond mere aesthetics, permeating the fabric of community life. Public art serves as a catalyst for connection, inspiration, and urban revitalization. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride among residents, transcending barriers of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Moreover, public art imbues neighborhoods with a sense of vibrancy and safety, fostering social cohesion and community engagement. Where there is accessible public art, there is love.
To learn more about Cyndy Epps, her artistic endeavors, and the mural project, visit her website at cyndyeppsfineart.com or cyndyepps.com. Additionally, readers can explore a detailed account of the mural’s creation in an article featured on Jagwire.
The creation of the Augusta University mural stands as a shining example of the transformative power of collaborative artistry. Anchored in the spirit of community engagement and creative expression, this mural embodies the rich tapestry of Augusta’s identity and serves as a beacon of inspiration for future artistic endeavors. We here at the Arts Council LOVE it.
Volunteers who helped make this mural happen include: Cyndy Epps, Alison Rhody, Taylor Lamb, Martyn Turner, Laura Evans, Marshall Evans, Allie Brown, Henrique Nardi, Clarissa Gainey, Marina Hrinka, Sergio Gallarda, Emily Radulescu, Ashanti Allen, Tiffany Nguyen, Justin Nguyen, Fran Kennedy, Lillian Thomas, Amy Crawford, Carol Cross, Stephany Rodriguez-Cardona, Sophia Byne, Faith Braithwaite, Jaquayla Medlock, Vaynil Gomes, Caleb Acree, Caitlyn Meaker, Grey Leon Lopez, Yana Bondar, Kelley Pendleberry, Emlynn Pendleberry, Janice Whiting, Adrian Price, Scarlett Wankerl, Stacey Eidson, Ian Eidson, Jeremy Rueggeberg, Hudson Rueggeberg, Joe Brearley, Kinsley Brearly, Kelyisha Hayden, Debra Estep and Jacob White.