Art in Focus: Cool for School!

Bursting with energy and fully saturated colors, new hand-painted murals and custom wallcoverings at Arizona State University Tempe’s Herberger Arts Student Housing are a testament to the school’s rich relationship with local artists.

Vital to the entire process of art curation and selection for this special new space dedicated to the arts was the involvement of students, faculty, alumni, and artists local to the university as much as possible. The results are stunning! Vibrant, colorful, and alive with movement, each mural is a proud expression of creativity by and for the community. Designed as an an immersive creative experience for students, the Herberger Institute living-learning community blends living spaces with maker-spaces, all united by inspired design. [American Campus Communities]

Impressive hand-painted murals in the residential building by three different local muralists (Kyllan Maney, Paige Reesor, and Jake Early) welcome students to their living spaces. Abstract photography works by Phoenix local artists Amy Newton-McConnel and Lee Hendrickson are reproduced on dye-sublimated aluminum for an elegant splash of color in the dining space. A rhythmic geometric piece by faculty member Mark Pomillo and a mesmerizing abstract work by student Elaine Bryant both reproduced as large scale murals in the dining space. Kalisher studio artists got to join in on the fun as well – a custom abstract wallcovering piece is a bright moment of surprise that subtly incorporates the university’s branding. Everywhere you look, an ode to Phoenix’s local art scene greets you! Enjoy seeing the work come alive via process photos and up-close details from the artists themselves below.

Art curated by Kalisher
American Campus Communities property interior design by Creative Resource Associates (residential building) & Solomon Cordwell Buenz (public space)
Photography credit to each respective artist

Watch this space for more visual treats. In the meantime, find inspiration for your art designs on Art Lab and by following us on Instagram.

Images included in this article are presented for editorial and informational purposes in connection with commentary on art trends, recent installations, materials, and creative approaches relevant to hospitality and commercial interiors.