A vibrant new mural inside the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ Bookstore is welcoming students with a colorful tribute to the campus community and its rich botanical landscape.
Created by UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ alumna and local artist Rachel Radona, the mural draws inspiration from the hundreds of plant species found across campus. More than a collection of flowers and trees, the artwork reflects the stories, cultures and experiences that make up the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ community.
“Art is about stories and moʻolelo,” Radona said. “Every student is different, comes from different backgrounds and comes from different cultures. Every plant and student has a different story to share.”
Inspired by campus
Before putting paint on the wall, Radona spent time exploring the university’s plant map and learning about the species that grow throughout campus. The mural features plants including the silk floss flower, k¨¨± and ʻulu trees,
each chosen for its connection to UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ and the stories they represent.
One of Radona’s favorite elements is the ?ulu, which she said symbolizes community resilience through its place in Hawaiian moʻolelo. She also incorporated the kōū flower, a plant traditionally associated with welcoming guests, to help create an inviting atmosphere for everyone who enters the bookstore.
Throughout the mural, bold colors and flowing shapes reflect Radona’s artistic style. She hopes the finished piece encourages students to pause, notice the plants around them and discover something new about the campus.
Art that brings people together
Although painting the mural was rewarding, Radona said the interactions with students, faculty, staff and families became the most memorable part of the project.
“That’s what art is all about,” Radona said. “Whether it’s music, whether dancing or it’s painting, you’re supposed to share with one another.”
A recent UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate, Radona said returning to campus to create the mural felt especially meaningful. She hopes the artwork reflects the welcoming spirit of the university while giving students another place where they can see themselves represented.
She also believes public art plays an important role on a college campus by giving people another way to express themselves and connect with others.
“It’s so important,” Radona said. &lqduo;We are all trying to make our way, find our way in college. Art is mine. But I know so many wonderful people here who found their voice in so many other things.”
As students return for the fall semester, the mural will serve as a lasting reminder that every member of the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ community has a story to tell and that those stories help shape the campus experience.