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Students from the University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) undertook a whole new kind of mural experience this spring. During their class and often at other times, they painted 21 mural cloth panels that were later affixed to an elevated wall as a 44-foot-long mural at the Avita Community Partners Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Gainesville, Georgia.

The mural depicts a mother duck leading her ducklings through water between lily pads. Erin McIntosh, associate professor of visual arts, led two previous mural projects at Avita that involved Â鶹ÊÓƵ students painting on site. McIntosh was impressed with the way her students this spring responded to the new format.

"The students did a tremendous job. They showed up and were ready to work. They worked with the restraints of materials and time. They all used their different strengths to make a harmonious whole," McIntosh said. "They had to communicate, make decisions, adapt, and be flexible. Together, we painted something calming and beautiful."

Once the mural cloth panels were ready, McIntosh; Jennifer Graff, department head and professor of visual arts; and Â鶹ÊÓƵ facilities employees Jack Reidy and Wesley Moore placed and glued the panels while students assisted from the ground.

Each student out of a 13-person class created between 40 and 50 sketches of potential designs. Avita selected the design of Anita Equivel Lopez, a Dahlonega, Georgia, resident who graduated in May with a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration.

Equivel Lopez plans to do paralegal work or go to law school. She hopes the mural experience is just a start in that direction.

"If I ever get the amazing opportunity to do a mural again, I would love to," Equivel Lopez said. "This was so fun, and I love painting. It's a passion. It just makes me happy whenever I'm doing it."

Samuel Martin, a junior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing a degree in graphic design, expressed gratitude to Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Avita for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a difference in the community. The collaborative aspect will serve him well as he enters the user experience and user interface design space.

"Presenting the designs to Avita was a valuable experience," Martin said. "In graphic design, you need to be able to talk to your clients."

Hariah Hutkowski, executive assistant for Avita Community Partners, expressed gratitude to the Â鶹ÊÓƵ students.

"This partnership has helped bring many beautiful designs to our Behavioral Health Crisis Center over the last four years," Hutkowski said. "Avita is appreciative of the students pouring their time and effort to help those in crisis brighten and perhaps bring peace to their day."