Two student artists create technology and nature-inspired murals in Waldo Library

Posted by Sara Volmering on
October 6, 2023
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The walls in Waldo Library are getting upgraded thanks to two Western student artists. After an open call for proposals, the University Libraries selected two student muralists for the project: Eunsung Bae and Melody Lebert.

With support from the University Libraries, Bae and Lebert will create murals on the lower level and first floor, transforming blank walls into wall-size masterpieces.

The murals鈥 subjects are significantly different. Bae will create a technology and future-focused mural on the lower level near Waldo鈥檚 Tech Lab. Lebert will create a tribute to Michigan's natural environments on the first floor.

Both murals connect with the University Libraries' mission to serve the community as a resource for regional history, information and learning technologies.

Learn more about our student muralists.

Eunsung Bae, Student Muralist

Eunsung Bae is an aviation management and operations major but has the opportunity to express his artistic side with a minor in art. Bae will create a mural inspired by technology and how it connects with humanity on Waldo Library鈥檚 lower level. Concepts of equality and justice also helped inspire Bae鈥檚 mural.

鈥淓verything is connected to each other and needs to be balanced in living in this world,鈥 said Bae.Balancing and finding harmony in color and lines are key features of Bae鈥檚 mural, which he hopes brings vitality and peace to the library鈥檚 public space.

鈥淸Art] captures people鈥檚 eyes and gives a temporary moment for them to relax in a complex world.鈥

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Melody Lebert, Student Muralist

As a music performance major and art minor, Melody Lebert spends a lot of her time immersed in creative expression. Lebert will draw upon her passion for Michigan's natural environments for her mural project.

鈥淢y design was inspired by Michigan's nature and the plant life cycle to celebrate the state's rich natural heritage and highlight the beauty and significance of its ecosystems,鈥 says Lebert.

This project is Lebert鈥檚 second mural project, in addition to her passion for painting musical instruments.

鈥淎rt is so important in public spaces because it makes the environment more visually engaging as well as reflecting local culture and values.鈥

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