Colorful images of smiling faces, flowering desert plants, computers, hats, tables, and T-shirts now greet drivers and pedestrians alike as they travel near UNLV’s campus. The images are part of a two-part mural installation that adorns the walls of UNLV’s Flamingo Auxiliary Building. Located at the corner of Flamingo Road and Maryland Parkway, the building was decidedly nondescript and lacking in design interest.
The murals were designed and painted by two art students, Annie Lin and Brian Martinez. Lin and Martinez were selected to create these public works of art through a competitive submission process.
“Both Annie and Brian excelled at not only the artistry required to make engaging murals, but also at navigating their project management duties,” said Sean Slattery, an assistant art professor in residence. “I am proud of their massive accomplishments, and how UNLV employees helped Annie and Brian move forward on the path to professional success.”
The project came about through a collaboration between planning and construction, the Surplus Center, and the art department, and with significant support from risk management & safety, and facilities management.
“We wanted to make the (auxiliary building) more welcoming and provide students from the College of Fine Arts and the department of art the opportunity to engage in a public art process, expand their portfolio, and showcase their work” said David Frommer, associate vice president of planning, construction and real estate.
Frommer's office sent out a call for proposals in December. To be considered, applicants had to submit a design plan that included a written proposal explaining their design and how it relates to the departments in the building, work samples, mural mock-ups, a budget, and explain which wall their design was intended for.
A panel consisting of representatives from planning and construction, the Surplus Center, and the art department evaluated each submission and ultimately selected Lin’s for the west wall and Martinez’s for the east wall.
Meanwhile, an interdepartmental team from planning and construction, risk management, facilities management and delivery services began working together to orchestrate and manage the logistical challenges of executing a project of this scale, such as procuring lifts, ladders, and storage space; and ensuring student safety when using that equipment.
With the groundwork complete, Lin and Martinez began putting paint to concrete in February.
