By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR
CHADRON, Neb. – A design featuring eagle wings created by Chadron State College senior Angelyse Perez of Newcastle, Wyoming, has come to life on the Student Center thanks to the work of Pine Ridge Job Corps students, Chadron Area Chamber Director Gabby Kreis, community artists, and students and employees.
Perez, who will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree art, said when she heard Kreis’ presentation about Chadron’s Art Alley and Open Frontier Art District, she wanted to be a part of a campus mural. Perez started a series of sketches, based on ideas Kreis discussed with her class. During the summer, Perez refined her design using Clip Studio, a digital painting program.
Art Professor Mary Donahue said Perez’ final submission worked well.
“Angel took the initiative and was motivated to work on and submit a design. Her excellent drawing skills and eye for color turned it into an eye-catching design. I am sure it feels satisfying and exciting for Angel to have the work as one that people interact with and take pictures of,” Donahue said.
The process of painting the mural during Homecoming week in late September was a satisfying group project, according to Donahue, who thanked Kreis and Coordinator of Conferencing Amanda Medaries for their energy and ideas.
“I loved seeing the smiles of the painters who worked on it,” Donahue said.
Kreis said the idea for the mural began when she was contacted by Medaries, who inquired about the possibility of partnering with the Chamber and its Art Alley Initiative for a campus mural. They discussed the concept and explored how to bring a mural to life.
“It represents pride, achievement, and the sense of possibility that comes with being an Eagle at Chadron State College. For visitors, it's an inspiring photo opportunity that invites them to quite literally ‘stand in the wings,’ becoming part of the college's story, spirit, and community,” Kreis said. “It celebrates creativity, collaboration and the pride students and the community share in the campus, also acting as a bridge through time, connecting generations of Eagles from the past, present and future.”
Medaries said the Student Center is a pivotal part of CSC which makes it the perfect place for the mural.
“Current students convene here to relax after a long day of classes and extracurriculars, plus visiting high schools, local businesses, and other public events are hosted throughout the building, as well,” Medaries said. “The combination of internal and external visitors allows for us to provide unique branding opportunities that will leave anyone who visits with CSC on their minds.”
Feedback about the mural has been positive, according to Medaries.
“So far, the students I have spoken to have thoroughly enjoyed the mural and the brightness the image brings to the Student Center. I have seen both students and staff posing in front of the wings,” she said.
She has circulated a poster with a QR code to a form that asks for feedback.
Meanwhile, Medaries is collaborating with Admissions to include the mural during future tours and events as the start of a new tradition.
“I believe the mural will be huge for both student experience and campus culture. My goal is to have anyone who visits Chadron State College hear, ‘Have you had your picture taken with the eagle wings yet?’ This will bond current and future students to the college, and community members, as well,” she said.
Kreis said one of the goals of the Chamber’s Art Alley-Paint the Town initiative has been to spark creativity and connection through public art.
“Collaborations like this one with Chadron State College show how art can bridge the campus and the broader community, giving students, residents, and visitors a shared sense of ownership and pride and place,” Kreis said. “My hope is that this project encourages more partnerships that highlight local talent and continue to bring color, energy, and inspiration to our community spaces,” Kreis said.