Students have the opportunity to participate in unique opportunities being offered this summer by the summer murals course in the Gwen Frostic School of Art (FSOA).

The course, taught by Heidi Weiss, provides students with hands-on experience in mural making, insights into the technological aspects and skills in the production of murals. They are taught a variety of practical and technical skills that are transferable to professional opportunities in the field. 

“Through workshops, critiques and a visiting artist project, students learn to plan, execute and document murals, preparing them for public art practice beyond the classroom,” Weiss said. 

The first event of the course is a lecture June 2 given by Brad Zenz, a WMU alumni. 

Zenz graduated from WMU with a Bachelor  of Fine Arts in 2009 with an emphasis in painting and a minor in advertising and promotion. Since his graduation, Zenz has created multiple large-scale murals and even runs his own business, Backyard Muralz.

The lecture, which is open to the public, will focus on Zenz’ experience as a young artist and his journey to being able to create art as a career. 

“This is a great chance for students to hear how an artist builds their career and learn about the practical side of making art, including how artists often apply similar principles as other businesses to shape their work and presence in the world,” Weiss said. “This lecture ties in with the course by showing students that creating a mural—or any artwork—means balancing creative expression with real-world strategy.”

Another event offered to students this month is a mural development event being held June 4 through June 9. It offers students the opportunity to work alongside Zenz to develop and paint a mural for Campus Pointe Mall. 

The mural was designed by Zenz and features brown and gold colors, athletes and a ‘Go Broncos’ banner to celebrate WMU pride and the tenacity of Kalamazoo. 

“This isn’t an annual event, making it even more special,” Weiss said. “Students will be involved in scaling images, transferring drawings to the wall and learning practical mural techniques, including working safely on ladders, lifts and navigating environmental factors on-site.”

Zenz considers this event a full-circle moment: “Campus Pointe Mall is the site of my very first mural, painted over 15 years ago as a graduating senior,” Zenz said. “That original piece was about the student journey, while this new mural celebrates Western Michigan University and Bronco Pride. It’s a powerful reflection of growth, both personal and communal.”

With these events rapidly approaching, Zenz also expressed excitement about interacting with and working alongside students.

 “It’s an excellent opportunity to give back and share my journey with future artists,” he said. “I’m genuinely excited to talk with students about the many paths available to creative professionals and hopefully inspire the next generation of muralists and visual storytellers.”

For more information on painting at FSOA, visit their Instagram @frostic_painting.