Kristy Shore/Contributing Writer
Alfonso Yec/The Beacon
Hope, love, and dominoes are just a few of the canvases painted by students, faculty and staff to help a local artist and University alumnus create a mural of health care professionals.
Aramis O’Reilly, a local artist and teacher of painting and drawing at the New World School of the Art, has begun a mural behind Academic Health Center 3.
“The fact this is a green building designed for the environment and it’s the health and science building is my inspiration for this piece,” said O’Reilly.
The mural has nearby picnic tables and benches for students and faculty to sit while admiring the piece and taking a break from work or school.
“The mural is of a tree with leaves like a body, or a system of organisms, per se, which is why cells are being included on the piece as well,” said O’Reilly.
Over 25 students, faculty and staff have added their own taste to the mural.
“It gives you an opportunity to develop your imagination and be a part of the building,” said Engie Rodriguez, a junior and nursing major, as she painted a mitochondria on one of her canvases.
“It gives energy to the cell which gives energy to the tree,” said Rodriguez. “I’m excited to see the final project. Faculty and students interacting is a good way to get away from studies and just relax; painting is relaxing.”
Mary Lopez of the University’s Athletic Training Department enjoyed making her domino to symbolize her Cuban culture. “We get to represent a little bit of everyone that works in the building. I look forward to eating and relaxing outside by the mural—and to look for my piece,” she said.
O’Reilly offered his art expertise to the participants as they worked rigorously on their paintings.
“I started at FIU in 1981. There were only four buildings, and the campus wasn’t very large. I came back for their master of fine arts program in the late ‘90s. Almost my entire college life has been here at FIU, which makes me very privileged to be able to give back and be part of this project,” said O’Reilly. “I even met my wife 25 years ago at [Deuxieme Maison] DM!”
Many chose to paint more than one canvas, which was highly encouraged.
“In the health care department, everyone takes care of everyone. Everyone comes together to help each other to form a big family,” said Elizabeth Perez, a junior and psychology major. “It’s nice how everyone is coming together from different departments to decorate the building and leave their little mark.”
The finished product should be done as soon as possible, said O’Reilly.
“I am currently finishing the last layers of the piece. It will be there forever, you know, so anyone involved has been asked to make a leaf or cell as a contribution to the piece.”
About Post Author
