Tacoma Community College Library Mural Time-lapse

Spearheaded by Odette Allen, TCC Archivist, and Candice Watkins, TCC Library Director, this project began in the Fall of 2017 as a way to invigorate the spacious walls of the library and provide an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for students.

As a key focus of the mural, students were involved in the project from beginning to end. Students powered the development of themes and content, as well as contributing directly to the design process.

The themes generated by the students included:
• Enthusiasm for the natural environment around us here in the Pacific Northwest
• Ideas of connections between students, their teachers, and connecting students to their future goals
• Ideas about growth, evolution, and development

The mural was designed by recent TCC graduate Lorraine Descheenie, local artist Colin Cushman, and the TCC Archivist Odette Allen. The designers worked to focus their final design around the student generated themes and the direction of the Mural Advisory group. The natural elements in the mural such as the water, trees, and volcanic/fire figure speak directly to the environment of the Pacific Northwest. The hands symbolize connecting students with each other and their future goals, as well as symbolizing students’ power and autonomy to direct their lives and influence their communities. The mountain, the volcanic colors, and the waves all speak to the shifting nature of growth and change as a constant part of our lives. Finally, the bridge across the water and the buildings bring the focus back to our campuses here and in Gig Harbor.

The mural is also openly licensed. Tacoma Community College is a leader in advancing Open Educational Resources (OER). As part of its leadership role in this work, the Library licenses all of its learning objects with Creative Commons open licensing – this is part of the Library’s work in creating a culture of 'Open.' An openly licensed mural reflects this philosophy and also widens the conversation with the community about intellectual property and open licensing, helping the Library achieve its goals of teaching and learning about engaging with information.