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’ subjects are significantly different. Bae will create a technology and future-focused mural on the lower level near Waldo’s 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’s lower level. Concepts of equality and justice also helped inspire Bae’s mural.
“Everything is connected to each other and needs to be balanced in living in this world,” said Bae.Balancing and finding harmony in color and lines are key features of Bae’s mural, which he hopes brings vitality and peace to the library’s public space.
“[Art] captures people’s eyes and gives a temporary moment for them to relax in a complex world.”
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.
“My 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,” says Lebert.
This project is Lebert’s second mural project, in addition to her passion for painting musical instruments.
“Art is so important in public spaces because it makes the environment more visually engaging as well as reflecting local culture and values.”
