This course offers a critical investigation into the roles that murals play in placemaking, community-building, and social movements. We will examine the politics and psychology of urban spaces, and how mural art can embody commitments to sanctuary, hidden histories, and expansive solidarity. The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project, which involved over 200 participants from around the world, will serve as a case study and a specific lens for investigating local to the global connections, and the use of public art in civic engagement, community education and empowerment.
In studying a range social movement murals, historically and today, we'll explore how murals can alter the built environment and transform concrete barriers and borders into spaces of resistance and belonging. Working with international mural artist and psychologist, Dr. Susan Greene, we’ll examine the psychology of public spaces, how creativity impacts one’s sense of self and agency, and how community art can build collective identity in ways that intervene in oppressive structures and power relations. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to and curate a gallery exhibit in downtown Olympia as a final collaborative project.
This hybrid program involves two all-day Saturday intensives on the Olympia campus and in downtown Olympia, as well as weekly evening virtual classes.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
2 - Psychology & Public Art
2 - Community Studies: The Politics of Public Space
Registration
Academic Details
Education, community advocacy, public art curation, psychology and art therapy, political activism and non-profit work
$25 for art supplies and curation of final collaborative exhibit