INDIANAPOLIS — Nov. 28, 2025

A new mural is underway in Marian Hall 061 as part of a collaboration between Marian University’s Art & Design Department and Biology Department. The project, completed through the ART-460 Art & Design Internship course, is funded by a $10,000 grant dedicated to transforming the student lounge into a more creative and welcoming space.

Interns Cassie Mitchell and Katherine “Katie” Droese have been leading the project since September. The mural builds on their work from the 2024 Where’s The ME in STEAM? poster initiative, which highlighted diverse representation in science, technology, engineering, art and math.

The two students spent the early part of the semester designing the mural before beginning to paint. The project experienced delays after the interns chose to restart the mural due to issues with paint quality and overall finish. Despite the setback, both said the final product is shaping up stronger than their original version.

“This mural has taught us the importance of going in with a plan and direction,” Droese said. “This is my first time doing a mural, so I’m pretty new to the process. I want to continue making projects and portfolio pieces I’m proud of.”

The mural also serves as a test run for future off-campus work. Mitchell and Droese are scheduled to paint murals in local IPS schools later this academic year, making this project an opportunity to refine their approach and learn how to manage volunteers.

“I’m excited for what this space is going to be,” Mitchell said. “This mural has been a fun roller coaster of learning how to set up volunteers and leaders like myself and Katie for success so we can have a product we’re proud of. I feel like this is turning out better than the digital version.”

The mural is expected to be completed before the end of the fall semester. Once finished, it will anchor the redesigned lounge area, offering students a refreshed place to study, relax and gather.