'Mural Mania' sweeps the University

Charlie Brown, Dr. Seuss characters and leopards made their debut appearance in residence halls across campus as the Residential Advisory Board gave a tour yesterday of the University's "Mural Mania" competition, which ended Tuesday. To participate in the event, students submitted proposals to the RAB -- as early as last fall -- of mural ideas they would like to paint. After receiving approval for their ideas, the students could begin their masterpieces, located in the hallways of several of the University's residences. The event culminated with the judging of the murals, which was done this year by ten RAB members and two University administrators -- Chris Dennis, director of academic programs in residence, and Francine Walker, director of student life activities and facilities. The criteria the judges used in scrutinizing the works included the number of participants involved in creating the mural, creativity and overall impact. Students painted a total of six murals this year -- one in the Quadrangle, one in King's Court and four in Arts House on the twelfth floor of High Rise East. The students showed their artistic talents by creating paintings of animals, geometrical designs and Peanuts and Dr. Seuss characters. Entire floors painted certain murals, while others were the work of one sole artist. RAB Chairperson and College sophomore Roshini Thayaparan said the purpose of the event was to encourage student to get more involved in their dorms. "With this project -- as with all our projects -- we seek to increase community spirit within the residences," she said. And College sophomore Kelly Gable said the murals have additional benefits as well. "It beautifies the dorms," she said. "Some of the dorms have blank, off -white walls. The murals make it brighter, homier." Gable painted a mural in King's Court last year and said she enjoys going back to see it. Gordon Rickards, senior manager of Housing and Residence Life, has been involved with Mural Mania for the last seven years. He feels the students get a lot out of the experience. "Those students that don't participate often wish that they did," Rickards noted. The project also indicates increased activity by the RAB, according to Dennis. Dennis said this project and others like it show the dedication of the RAB members. "Their work this year has been terrific," he said. "We're delighted to have their input." First prize in Mural Mania was awarded to the Peanuts character mural painted by members of the first floor of King's Court -- who will now receive a floor pizza party. Second and third prize were awarded to Engineering junior Marie Bois's geometric art and Engineering junior Scott Schimmel's cartoon figures, respectively.