Roanoke College students will soon have the chance to leave their mark on campus by helping create a new mural alongside a familiar face.
Artist Jon Murrill, a 2009 graduate of Roanoke College, is returning to his alma mater this fall to paint a large-scale mural on all four sides of the Maroon Village lounge. The project begins Sept. 29 and is expected to last about three weeks.
Murrill has scheduled six sessions where students can work with him directly. Each session will include 10 students, with sign-ups available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure broad participation, students are asked to register for only one session. All materials will be provided, and no prior artistic experience is required.
In addition to the mural project, Murrill will give a public lecture on public art at 5 p.m. Oct. 24 in Olin Recital Hall.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon back to campus for this incredible project, which will create an inspiring landmark at the heart of our new housing community,” said Jay Ellison, vice president for student success and the Roanoke experience.
Murrill, a Vinton native, studied studio art at Roanoke College before earning an MFA at Radford University. He began his career as a teacher in Craig County and later taught at Virginia Western Community College and Patrick Henry High School. His mother, Leslie Murrill, is a professor of education at Roanoke College.
Over the past decade, Murrill has built a reputation for colorful public art throughout the Roanoke Valley. His murals can be seen at businesses including Sidecar and Twisted Track Brewery in Roanoke, as well as outdoor locations such as the 9th Street bridge along the Roanoke River Greenway. In Salem, his work appears at Blue Eagle Credit Union, Allsports Cafe and Cherry Alley on Main Street.
Now working full time as a muralist, Murrill asked that the subject of the new campus mural remain a surprise so the community can watch it take shape over the course of the project.
-The Salem Times-Register