Students in UAB’s Bloom Studio, run by Associate Professor Doug Barrett, paint the mural on the pedestrian bridge that crosses University Boulevard at 13th Avenue South.
A new mural in soft shades of green and gold now brightens a popular pathway on campus.
The flora-inspired mural is painted inside the heavily traveled pedestrian bridge that crosses University Boulevard at 13th Avenue South. Students and visitors often stop atop the bridge to snap a selfie with the city and campus as background. It is a signature moment on campus tours for prospective students, and the mural makes this spot even more Insta-worthy.
The mural, titled “Flourish,” was designed by Sara Wood, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Art and Art History, to reflect UAB ideals of prospering, growth and flowering while supporting conservation and the importance of the natural world.
Part of a set
It is one of two new murals UAB has introduced for its 50th anniversary, including a portable UAB Blazer dragon wings mural that will live in the UAB Campus Visit Center when not traveling. Both murals were commissioned by University Relations.
University Relations artist Rachel Hendrix designed the portable dragon wings.
Wood and fellow students in the department’s Bloom Studio group painted the bridge mural. Bloom Studio, run by Associate Professor Doug Barrett, enables graphic design students to gain experience working directly with regional clients, local nonprofits and under-served communities. His class of 20 students pitched designs, and students selected their three favorites; University Relations made the final selection.
University Relations artist Rachel Hendrix, a 2018 alumna, designed the portable dragon wings for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to use to showcase the UAB brand and spirit at its regional events.
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