AMES, Iowa –– “Usually lunch is my favorite part of camp,” said Colt, a six-year-old camper with the Nishna Valley YMCA summer program in Atlantic. “But today, we got to put our handprints on the wall, so I think that’s my favorite!” Colt’s tiny orange handprint joins dozens of purple and orange prints decorating the exterior of the city’s former YMCA building.

Located along Bull Creek, the structure was once a bustling hub for recreation, connection and community. With the help of 11 Iowa State University students and many Atlantic community members, the façade is being transformed into a stunning 3,000-sq.-ft. mural for all to enjoy.

Murals in Community

The mural is a product of the “Murals in Community” summer course taught by Anna Segner, assistant teaching professor of art and visual culture. The eight-week course called upon an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate and graduate students to collaborate with the city to develop a two-wall mural that honors the rural town while also highlighting the region’s ecosystem.

“A main focal point in the mural’s design is Bull Creek and the East Nishnabotna River,” said graphic design graduate student Karly White. “The creek and river are almost like characters in this city, and we made sure to include them on both walls of the mural.”

“We’ve also added pops of yellow, orange and green for birds, butterflies, frogs and wildflowers to show the richness of Atlantic’s environment,” said White, from Columbus, Ohio.

Painted in bold white letters, the phrase “It’s Good to Bloom Here” — a play on the city’s slogan, “It’s Good to Be Here” — adorns the west side of the building. Quilt patterns and the city’s name are the final details located at the top of either side of the mural.

A key of objective of the course was to engage community members in the creation of the mural. Students created two opportunities for community involvement including inviting YMCA campers to help paint and hosting a community painting night.

The course allowed students majoring in art and design, integrated studio arts, integrated visual arts, graphic design, interior design and scientific illustration and visualization to explore a new medium while building new connections.

“The best part about this mural is knowing the community will have that personal connection to it,” said Jeffrey McAllister, a junior in art and design from West Des Moines. “We are all so passionate about this mural and seeing that same energy in the community really excites me.”

“As someone who is interested in experiential design and public art, this project was perfect for me to explore these mediums,” said White. “I think having the community engaged just overall creates a better end product.”

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce will host an open house celebrating the mural at noon Wednesday, July 2, with a ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m., at 703 E. 14th Street in Atlantic.

Art and innovation

Last summer, Segner also led a mural class where students gave a lunchroom in Iowa State’s Ross Hall a new look. She has also created murals through her own professional practice and is currently working on a project in Altoona.

As one of nine College of Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellows, Segner’s efforts focus on civic entrepreneurship. Murals provide an avenue to bring art to people and doing that with alongside students has been special, she said.

“These types of interactions are meaningful for community pride,” Segner said. “Working in Atlantic has been amazing; the community has shown us a lot of love by donating their time, food, water and housing for us to stay in as we paint. We are so happy to share this moment with them.”

Building bonds in Atlantic

The “Murals in Community” project builds upon the relationship the College of Design has been cultivating with Atlantic over the last year. Mayor Grace Garrett was invited to participate in the college’s inaugural Iowa Mayors’ Design Workshop that took place on campus in July 2024. At the two-day workshop, six mayors presented on a specific design issue their community was facing. These mayors worked with Iowa State faculty and staff along with design professionals to explore potential solutions and resources.

Mayor Garrett’s focus was restoring the Bull Creek corridor. Conversations from the workshop led to the development of the spring 2025 Civic Hydrology studio, in which students from design and engineering disciplines were tasked with identifying opportunities to remediate the creek, both functionally and aesthetically.

“The Civic Hydrology class heavily focused on that functionality aspect of the creek, looking closely at opportunities to reduce flooding and erosion along the banks,” said Garrett. “I’m thrilled we get to continue working with Iowa State through this mural. These students have brought fresh ideas and perspectives we really appreciate.”