Artist Judith Baca to Lead Students in Painting a Collaborative Mural about MHC History

Noted muralist Judith F. Baca will bring both brushes and vision to campus this week to help students create a large mural about Mount Holyoke. From October 28 through October 31, twenty students will undertake the collaborative project under the guidance of Baca, who is a visual artist, arts activist, community leader, and professor of visual arts. Noted for her large-scale public murals, Baca uses art for community organizing and stresses participation to address multicultural audiences. Baca's visit is part of this year's Inclusiveness Program.

<<< Artist Judith Baca

Before the painting begins, Pomona College art historian Frances K. Pohl will speak about Baca's work on Monday, October 28 at 4 pm in Gamble Auditorium. Following the lecture, Baca and students will begin mural making in the Blanchard Campus Center game room. The goal is to "create a process and a mural that represents Mount Holyoke history in both its struggle and its glory," according to Regina Mooney, dean of students.

The completed work of art will probably have three panels, each approximately seven feet by four feet. It's expected to include images of Mary Lyon, and of students and campus buildings in a cohesive representation of the College, its people, and their different identities. The mural will be unveiled in Blanchard Campus Center at a 4 pm reception on October 31, and will be on display later in the art museum lobby.

Baca is known for her large-scale murals, such as The World Wall: A Vision of the Future without Fear (a section of which is shown here).