Students create mural at entrance to Hanson Plaza garage

A new mural graces one of the pillars of the Hanson Plaza bridge between Hall Memorial Building and Benson Hall Circle. Student Etasha Stone was commissioned to paint the mural, with support from over 20 student volunteers. The mural was unveiled on Wednesday, April 26, with President Cordano and other university officials in attendance. It is the first known student-executed outdoor public art on the Gallaudet campus.

The mural has a blue background with “YOU MATTER HERE” in yellow. Below this is an image with two butterflies and hands in many skin tones. The butterfly on the left represents the transgender flag colors: pink, brown, and blue; while the right butterfly contains the LGBTQIA+ flag colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple. In a nod to the iconic stained glass windows in College Hall, the hands are holding a red stained glass heart. Below them are roots from which pink cherry blossoms are blooming.

The mural project was spearheaded by Azeb Visco, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Student Body Government. It was supported by Michelle McAuliffe, Art and Media Design; Michelle Gerson-Wagner, Student Engagement and Leadership; Brandon L. Williams, Multicultural Student Programs; and Sophia Stone, Campus Design and Facilities.