University of Richmond class to unveil mural on James River April 24

Fourteen University of Richmond students are putting the finishing touches on a block-long mural of the James River located on a wall outside the former GRTC headquarters building at 2600 W. Cary St.

The James River mural project will be unveiled April 24 during a celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A special dance performance by Agua Dulce Dance Theater will begin at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The students, who call themselves the “curatorial team” for the project, are taking a class titled “Public Art and Social Change in the River City.” They range from first-year students to seniors from a variety of majors.

“The class is learning about the pressing issues impacting the river from community members and key stakeholders, including the James River Association and the James River Park System, to decide what messages are most important to convey,” said Alexandra Byrum, UR Downtown educational programming coordinator and class co-instructor.

“The Cary Street mural project has already brought up more conversation about our environmental impact on the river, which can help educate people on how to best take care of the world we live in,” said first-year student Jayson Vivas.

Local artist and UR adjunct art instructor Heide Trepanier is working with the class to install the mural. Anyone is welcome to help, and no experience is required. For more information about how to participate, contact Grace Leonard at (828) 226-8239.

For more details, visit the University of Richmond website.

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