LCU art department brightens up Pineville’s Martin Library
Libraries are places where you can find fantastical creatures, colorful characters and the stuff of your wildest dreams….all inside the pages of books.
Now, the children’s section of the Martin Library in Pineville, features much of this spilling out of the books and onto the ceiling thanks to Louisiana Christian University art department.
Hannah Fulton, assistant professor of art, and three art upperclass art students Sam Miller, Lena Cogghe and Allie Kyle worked alongside Fulton. The project was part of Fulton’s AR 430 Content and Meaning in Painting.
“The origin of this project was through Ms. Gayle who emailed me about someone wanting to have the children’s area painted in the library off campus,” Fulton said. “She connected me with the right people, Suzanne Bosarge, who was the former manager of Martin Library. After about a year of planning, Lenná Mouton, the direct services coordinator, wanted me to move forward with the project, which took about two weeks to complete.”
The design for the mural was a collaborative effort between the art department and the library. The finished product transports children to a fairy tale land full of colorful unicorns, fairies and mermaids.
“There are plans to turn the ceiling into a seek-and-find activity, like, ‘Can you find all 3 fairies?’ “ Fulton said. “And the child would go around the room looking for them.”
She also suggested the library create coloring pages of the characters for the children to take home and color or paint their favorite characters.
The objectives for her students, Fulton said, were to be able to recognize and understand the process of making large-scale murals, from early design conception, narrowing it down with the client to hands-on application.
The goal for the client was to create a friendly learning environment for children that encourages creativity.
And it appears the project was successful.
“The Rapides Parish Library is deeply grateful to Hannah Fulton and the Louisiana Christian University Fine Arts Department for their talent and time,” said Library Director Celise Reech-Harper. “They shared their passion and gifts to create a unique focal point on the ceiling of our Martin Library children’s area. The Library is a beloved setting of education, enrichment, and entertainment for our community, so I am certain the mural will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Reech-Harper said the library is hoping to plan a community event to showcase the art ahead of the children’s summer reading program.
Fulton said painting a ceiling takes a lot of time and a little pain to accomplish.
“My neck got sore after every painting session from looking up, but it was well worth it to see the finished product,” she said. “One little girl peeked in while I was still working, and I heard her go, ‘Wow!’ So, I think I accomplished my goal in bringing new life to the space for the little ones.”
For more information about LCU art programs of study, visit the web page.
The Rapides Parish Library System Martin Library branch is located at 801 W. Shamrock Ave. in Pineville and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Media Release | May 2, 2024 | Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu